LIVE Reddy unveils Telangana caste survey, urges national OBC quota push

Indian stock markets slumped on July 25, 2025. The Sensex closed down 0.72% at 81,589, while the Nifty50 fell 0.75% to 24,874. Bajaj Finance and Bajaj Finserv spearheaded the decline, each losing around 5%, alongside PowerGrid, Tata Motors, and Infosys. Other significant losers included Shriram Finance, Bajaj Auto, and IndusInd Bank. The downturn was more pronounced in mid- and small-cap indices, which plummeted by 1.4% and 1.9% respectively. The overall market exhibited considerable weakness across major sectors.

The June 12 Air India crash, claiming 260 lives, is under intense investigation. Preliminary reports reveal both fuel control switches were inexplicably switched to "cutoff" shortly after takeoff, then swiftly restored. Despite engine failure and subsequent crash, investigations by the FAA, Air India's AAIB (aided by the NTSB), found no fuel system defects. However, cockpit voice recordings haven't definitively identified who moved the switches or the reason. The AAIB is now focusing on potential causes: pilot error, communication breakdowns, or a yet-undiscovered systemic failure within the aircraft. The investigation continues to pinpoint the exact sequence of events and ultimate

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Nestlé's stock price fell following a downgrade from Bank of America Securities (BoFA). BoFA changed its rating from "Neutral" to "Underperform," causing investors to sell Nestlé shares.

India's Sensex experienced volatility despite the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) 25 basis point interest rate cut. The market's fluctuation was largely attributed to ongoing concerns surrounding the impact of potential US tariffs under the Trump administration. While the rate cut aimed to stimulate economic growth, the uncertainty generated by international trade tensions overshadowed its positive effects, leaving investors hesitant and contributing to market instability. The focus remained firmly on the escalating trade war and its potential repercussions on the Indian economy.

Indian AMC stocks, particularly NAM-India (+74%) and HDFC AMC (+53-59%), have significantly outperformed the market since their 2023 lows. Technical analysis suggests continued growth, with potential targets of ₹960 for NAM-India and ₹5,815 for HDFC AMC.

Air India refutes allegations of coercing families of crash victims into signing compensation documents prematurely. The airline insists forms only verified family relationships for timely interim payments, clarifying a "financially dependent" question as necessary for distributing aid to those most in need.

July offers competitive home loan rates, starting as low as 7.25% at some public sector banks (PSBs) like Union Bank of India, while others like SBI range from 7.50-8.70%. Private banks offer higher rates (8.15% upwards), with HFCs like LIC Housing Finance starting at 7.50%. Borrowers should compare rates across PSBs, private banks, and HFCs, negotiate for concessions (women, green homes), and consider fixed vs. floating rates based on their risk tolerance. Even small rate differences significantly impact long-term costs.

Manipal Health plans to add 3,600 hospital beds. This expansion comes years after Temasek Holdings acquired a controlling stake in the company.

An IndiGo flight from Surat to Jaipur was delayed almost an hour Monday due to a swarm of bees near the plane's open luggage door. Initial attempts to disperse the bees with smoke failed, requiring fire department intervention with water. The flight departed after clearance, following standard protocols. Separately, another IndiGo flight, from Indore to Raipur, returned shortly after takeoff Tuesday due to an unspecified technical fault. The pilot reported the issue, and the plane landed safely, not considered an emergency landing. Both incidents highlight unforeseen operational disruptions impacting IndiGo flights.

Iran's crackdown on undocumented migrants has led to the deportation of over 256,000 Afghans in the past month, including many unaccompanied women. This follows a March directive ordering all undocumented Afghans to leave by June's end. Human rights groups are alarmed by the humanitarian crisis and safety concerns for the women involved, with a total of 714,572 Afghan migrants returned from Iran since January.

Iran's crackdown on undocumented migrants has led to the deportation of over 256,000 Afghans in the past month, including many unaccompanied women. This follows a March deadline for Afghans to leave, raising serious human rights concerns about their safety and well-being. The mass deportations bring the total number of Afghan returns from Iran since January to 714,572.

Trump announced tariffs ranging from 10-70%, initially paused for 90 days to allow trade deal negotiations. Letters notifying affected countries (initially 10-12) will be sent, with full implementation by August 9th. Only a few countries secured deals before the deadline; others face the higher tariffs. The goal: boost US production.

Indian stock markets surged! The Sensex gained 769 points, closing at 24,853. FMCG, IT, and banking sectors led the rally.

AU Small Finance Bank (AU SFB) partners with LIC, India's largest life insurer, to boost insurance accessibility nationwide. This collaboration will distribute LIC's diverse life insurance products through AU SFB's extensive network, reaching underserved rural and semi-urban areas. The partnership aims to contribute to the "Insurance for All by 2047" goal, offering comprehensive financial services under one platform. Both entities benefit: AU SFB expands its offerings, while LIC gains wider reach.

DGCA's four-day Air India Boeing 787 inspection found no major safety flaws, but flagged maintenance issues causing significant flight delays and cancellations. At least 13 international flights were cancelled Tuesday due to mandatory inspections, compounded by weather and crew constraints.

Trump's threat to Khamenei ignited an Iran-Israel war, resulting in missile strikes and casualties. The US embassy in Jerusalem closed. Macron urged de-escalation as international condemnation mounted. The conflict's human toll is devastating.

India's ban on Pakistani goods has significantly increased shipping costs and transit times for Pakistani importers. The ban, implemented in May 2025, forces reliance on costlier feeder vessels, adding 30-50 days to delivery times, impacting businesses.

June manufacturing surged, driven by record export orders (3rd highest since 2005), especially from the US. Growth spanned all product categories. Output also increased rapidly, led by intermediate goods, while consumer and capital goods showed moderate gains. Strong marketing and export sales fueled the order boom.

India faces potential loss of tariff advantages as the US negotiates trade deals with other nations. A New Delhi delegation is in Washington for crucial talks to avert this, aiming to reach an agreement before a July 9th tariff deadline. Negotiations are expected to last several days.

India is nearing an interim trade deal with the US, potentially this week, to preempt Trump-era tariffs. This initial agreement, a first with a major US partner, paves the way for a broader bilateral trade deal, targeted for completion by autumn.

Trump ended US sanctions on Syria, aiming to foster stability and peace. While sanctions on Assad remain, the move intends to reintegrate Syria into the global economy, encouraging investment. The White House claims this will promote regional stability.

Trump threatens Elon Musk with the loss of US subsidies, suggesting Musk might have to return to South Africa if support is withdrawn. He claims Musk receives unprecedented government aid and implies a Department of Government Efficiency investigation to recoup potential savings.

US tariffs on Indian goods begin July 9th. India's trade talks with the US are ongoing, unlike stalled negotiations with the UK and China. A trade deal remains possible, contingent on resolving India's tariff concerns.

McKinsey predicts Indian companies in nine sectors (e-commerce, semiconductors, cloud, cybersecurity, EVs/batteries, AI, space, nuclear fission, robotics) could generate $588-$738 billion by 2030—a 3.5x increase. E-commerce alone is projected to quadruple, reaching $240-$300 billion, and contributing 40% of the total. These sectors were selected based on high patent activity or R&D investment.

KKR's ₹11,900 crore exit from JB Chemicals, yielding a 36% IRR, showcases another successful Indian healthcare investment. This follows their 5x return on Max Healthcare, highlighting KKR's strong track record in the sector. The sale to Torrent Pharmaceuticals expands KKR's growing Indian healthcare portfolio.

Torrent Group secured a ₹20,000 crore credit line from international banks (HSBC, Standard Chartered, Barclays) to fund its ₹12,636 crore acquisition of a ~49% stake in JB Chemicals from KKR & Co. and employees. This follows a similar trend of Indian firms, like Adani Group, leveraging foreign banks for major acquisitions.

Indian Railways will simplify fares starting July 1, 2025. Non-AC, non-suburban second-class fares increase by 0.005 rupees/km, except for journeys under 500km. This aims to improve passenger service finances.

Karnataka Bank's MD&CEO, Srikrishnan Hari Hara Sarma, and ED, Sekhar Rao, resigned citing personal reasons. Sarma's resignation is effective July 15th (Mumbai relocation cited), while Rao's is July 31st (Mangaluru relocation cited). The bank is forming a search committee for replacements.

Torrent Group secured a ₹20,000 crore credit line from international lenders (HSBC, Standard Chartered, Barclays) to fund its ₹12,636 crore acquisition of a ~49% stake in JB Chemicals from KKR & Co. and employees. This follows a similar trend of Indian companies, like the Adani Group, using foreign banks for large acquisitions.

India's April-May fiscal deficit reached ₹13,160 crore (0.8% of the FY24 estimate). Tax and non-tax revenues significantly increased year-on-year, fueling a rise in total government expenditure, particularly capital expenditure (up to ₹2.2 trillion).

Despite rising stressed assets (6.2% in microfinance, 6.5% in banks) in H2 FY25, borrower indebtedness is falling (11.7%). Tighter lending standards, including loan limits and restrictions on multiple lenders, decreased credit growth (-13.9%) and active borrowers (-40 lakh). This suggests proactive measures by regulators and SROs are impacting the sector.

Gurugram's housing market is booming, but it's fueled by traders, not families. These traders quickly buy and resell units, profiting from price increases. Builders favor this, as traders require smaller down payments and longer payment plans, often reselling before the next installment is due. This "first transfer free" scheme benefits both parties, creating a potentially volatile market with a high risk of a price crash.

Ericsson launched its first Indian-made antenna, a product of its partnership with VVDN Technologies. Manufactured in Haryana, it's commercially available in June, with global shipments starting July. This initiative signifies Ericsson's commitment to local manufacturing and positions India as a key player in the global telecom equipment market, particularly for future 6G technologies.

India's FY25 GST revenue hit a record ₹22.08 trillion, doubling FY21's figure. This 9.4% YoY growth, averaging over ₹1.84 trillion monthly, reflects increased registered taxpayers (1.51 crore vs. 65 lakh in 2017). The government attributes improved fiscal health and tax efficiency to GST's success.

India's financial system shows resilience, reports the RBI. Banks and NBFCs boast strong balance sheets, robust capital buffers, low NPAs, and healthy earnings, withstanding stress tests. The overall outlook remains positive.

Following a US strike on Iranian nuclear facilities, President Trump initiated talks between Israel and Iran. Trump, speaking with Netanyahu, and VP Vance, engaging with Tehran, brokered a ceasefire agreement by Monday. The initiative, described as "Get me Bibi. We're going to make peace," resulted in a deal between the two nations.

A new study suggests AI chatbots like ChatGPT negatively impact human brain activity, showing lower neural engagement in those using it for writing. This "cognitive offloading," while preliminary, raises concerns about reduced critical thinking, reasoning, and increased social isolation, potentially leading to a decline in cognitive abilities.

Portugal's housing crisis sees non-EU citizens paying double the price for homes due to foreign investment and past tax incentives. Soaring prices (up 200%+ since 2014 in some areas) and stagnant wages have made Lisbon the EU's least affordable city, leading to protests and calls for stricter rental controls. Portugal's housing crisis sees non-EU citizens paying double the price for homes due to foreign investment and past tax incentives. Soaring prices (up 200%+ since 2014 in some areas) and stagnant wages have made Lisbon the EU's least affordable city, leading to protests and calls for stricter rental controls.

India's Ministry of Defence completed 13 emergency procurement contracts totaling ₹1,981.9 crore to bolster counter-terrorism capabilities. These contracts, part of a ₹2,000 crore allocation, prioritize enhancing situational awareness, lethality, mobility, and troop protection in insurgency-prone areas. The purchases include modern systems like Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction Systems (IDDIS).

Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki's eruption caused significant flight disruptions (Air India, Virgin Australia, Jetstar affected), with ash clouds reaching 10,000 meters. Comprehensive travel insurance is crucial, covering flight delays, cancellations, extra expenses, medical costs, and lost luggage resulting from volcanic eruptions or other unforeseen events. Protect your trip!

Amit Shah envisions an India where English loses its status symbol, replaced by pride in Indian languages. He emphasized the importance of "Panch Pran" (five pledges) for a developed India by 2047, and called for civil service reform prioritizing empathy over the legacy British model. Shah believes India's languages are crucial for national identity and global leadership.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended warm birthday wishes to President Droupadi Murmu on her 67th birthday, highlighting her inspiring leadership and commitment to public service. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi praised President Murmu's dedication to the nation's development and her role in empowering the marginalized. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also conveyed greetings, acknowledging her constitutional responsibilities and her dignified conduct in office. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath joined in, commending her service to the nation and extending their best wishes for her health and longevity.

Days before a deadly Air India Boeing 787 crash in Ahmedabad, India's aviation regulator (DGCA) cited numerous safety violations, including overdue emergency equipment inspections on multiple aircraft. Though the DGCA stated these weren't crash-related, the timing raises concerns. The airline, recently acquired by Tata Group, received multiple warnings and a hefty fine for other safety lapses in 2024, highlighting systemic issues. The June 12th crash, the world's deadliest in a decade.

RBI's new gold loan rules (higher LTV ratios) necessitate business model changes for lenders, says S&P. Operational agility and service excellence will differentiate players. NBFCs face challenges in adapting risk assessment methods, needing to evaluate borrowers' repayment capacity beyond collateral value. A deadline of April 1, 2026, allows for adjustment.

Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki's eruption caused major flight disruptions in Indonesia, underscoring the value of travel insurance. Ash clouds forced cancellations and rerouting. Insurance protects against these disruptions, covering cancellations, delays, missed connections, and accommodation costs. For peace of mind, ensure your policy includes trip delay/cancellation coverage.

Tata Sons Chairman Chandrasekaran called Air India's Ahmedabad crash the most heartbreaking experience of his career, despite witnessing numerous crises. He urged employees to remain focused and resilient, emphasizing the need to stay determined despite the tragedy.

Maharashtra is collaborating with 5 more foreign universities to establish campuses in Mumbai's MMR, following the granting of LoIs to 5 others (Aberdeen, York, Western Australia, Illinois Tech, IED). CM Fadnavis confirmed the ongoing negotiations but withheld the names of the prospective universities. This initiative aims to foster a global educational hub.

India's WPI inflation hit a 14-month low of 0.39% in May 2025, down from April's 0.85%. Lower food, fuel, and primary article prices fueled the drop. However, increases in manufactured food, electricity, and chemicals contributed to the slight positive inflation rate.

Deeply saddened by Air India Flight AI171 crash, Union Minister Ram Mohan Naidu assures a thorough investigation and comprehensive aviation safety reforms. The loss of young lives, many students, is heartbreaking. The government is committed to uncovering the causes of the tragedy.