Business News: Economy & Markets

FMCG distributors' body seeks uniform food safety norms for quick-commerce dark stores

IANS | August 18, 2026 5:09 PM

New Delhi, Aug 18 (IANS) The All India Consumer Products Distributors Federation (AICPDF) has called for a uniform regulatory framework for quick-commerce dark stores -- such as Zepto, Blinkit and Swiggy Instamart -- raising concerns over food-safety and hygiene violations reported during a recent inspection drive in Maharashtra, according to a report.

New MMDR Amendment Bill paves way for stronger push to mining-led growth

IANS | August 18, 2026 5:06 PM

New Delhi, Aug 18 (IANS) The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, which has been approved by both the Houses of Parliament, seeks to establish a uniform and balanced fiscal framework for the mining sector. As per the Bill, state governments cannot levy fresh taxes on mineral rights and mineral-bearing lands, except within conditions prescribed by the Central Government, according to an explainer issued by the government on Tuesday.

PM Modi to inaugurate fifth edition of 'SEMICON India' on Sept 17

IANS | August 18, 2026 4:45 PM

New Delhi, Aug 18 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the fifth edition of SEMICON India 2026 on September 17 here as India seeks to accelerate the development of its domestic semiconductor ecosystem, an official statement said on Tuesday.

ASEAN digital pact offers India model for deeper Southeast Asia ties: Report

IANS | August 18, 2026 4:32 PM

New Delhi, Aug 18 (IANS) The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Digital Economy Framework Agreement provides India a blueprint for deeper digital engagement with Southeast Asia, a new report has said.

Sensex plunges 493 points, Nifty falls 133 points amid global tensions

IANS | August 18, 2026 4:00 PM

Mumbai, Aug 18 (IANS) The benchmark indices extended their losses on Tuesday, with the Sensex and Nifty coming under pressure amid heightened geopolitical tensions and weakness in key sectors.

Tata Sons AGM deferred for first time over quorum shortfall

IANS | August 18, 2026 3:56 PM

Mumbai, Aug 18 (IANS) Tata Sons' Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Tuesday was called off due to a lack of quorum, making it the first time in the holding company's history that an AGM has been deferred, reports said.

UIDAI completes over 2 crore biometric updates for schoolchildren under Aadhaar drive

IANS | August 18, 2026 3:32 PM

New Delhi, Aug 18 (IANS) The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has completed more than 2 crore (20 million) mandatory biometric updates (MBUs) for schoolchildren nationwide under a special campaign aimed at ensuring Aadhaar records remain updated, an official statement said on Tuesday.

Meta steps up measures to curb child abuse content in India after govt discussions

IANS | August 18, 2026 3:03 PM

New Delhi, Aug 18 (IANS) US-based technology firm Meta is intensifying efforts to curb the spread and reappearance of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) across its platforms in India amid ongoing discussions with the government, according to a report.

FTAs accelerating India's export growth

IANS | August 18, 2026 2:59 PM

New Delhi, Aug 18 (IANS) India’s recent export performance shows the growing commercial importance of the country’s new FTA partners, with a shift visible in early export gains, rising preferential certificate of origin issuance, and a wider range of exports to these markets, according to a factsheet issued by the government on Tuesday.

India tops global coconut production with 31.24 pc of output

IANS | August 18, 2026 2:40 PM

New Delhi, Aug 18 (IANS) India ranks first in global coconut production and third in cultivation area, accounting for 31.24 per cent and 17.90 per cent of world totals, respectively, and about 2,175 hectares of new area were brought under cultivation across several states during 2025-26, an official factsheet said on Tuesday.