DIWALI
VCs step up wealthtech bets; Blinkit freezes new launches
Investors are pouring fresh capital into wealthtech startups as demand for financial products grows. This and more in today's ETtech Top 5.
Rakhi trade: Viksit Bharat, Nari Vandan, BrahMos new themes this year; total business could cross Rs 30,000 crore, says CAIT
This year, rakhi sales are projected to approach ₹25,000 crore, with the overall festive trade, including gifts and apparel, likely surpassing ₹30,000 crore. Many rakhis now celebrate themes such as Viksit Bharat and women's empowerment.
Are BSE, NSE closed on August 26 for Eid-e-Milad? Check full market holiday dates list
The Indian stock market will remain open on August 26 despite Eid-e-Milad, with the BSE and NSE observing only a settlement holiday. Trading will continue as usual, while clearing and settlement activities will remain suspended. MCX and NCDEX will also operate normally. The next market holiday is September 14 for Ganesh Chaturthi.
Blinkit to freeze new product launches amid festive rush
Blinkit’s decision to pause new products launched on its platform comes as quick commerce and ecommerce platforms prepare for the festive season sale rush. This year’s festive season starts with Onam and Raksha Bandhan this week and will go on till Diwali on November 8.
‘I didn’t say which Diwali’: Boris Johnson on India-UK FTA deadline; hails scotch whisky tariff cut from 150% to 75%
In a comical take on the India-UK Free Trade Agreement timeline, Boris Johnson revealed his contentment with the trade deal's finalization. He emphasized notable tariff cuts on Scotch whisky as a highlight. Following Brexit, the trade relationship has flourished, and Johnson envisions even greater economic collaboration across multiple sectors in the future.
Sugar stocks Balrampur Chini, Dhampur Sugar, Uttam Sugar Mills rally up to 11%. Here are 2 triggers
Sugar stocks rose sharply on Monday as domestic sugar prices climbed above Rs 50 per kg amid tight inventories and supply concerns. Festive demand, adverse weather in key producing regions and Brazil’s shift towards ethanol are adding to worries over availability. The government has also tightened stockholding limits to curb hoarding.
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VCs chase deeptech; AI takeaways from ET's WLF
Happy Monday! Specialist VC funds are expanding beyond their traditional sectors to invest more in deeptech. This and more in today’s ETtech Morning Dispatch.
Flipkart introduces penalties for sellers over despatch delays, cancellations
Flipkart has introduced new penalties for sellers over despatch delays and order cancellations, ahead of the festive season. Sellers will pay Rs 30-60 per shipment for breaches, or Rs 90 if an order is delayed and then cancelled. Small brands and individual sellers are likely to face greater impact, executives said.
Sugar stocks Balrampur Chini, Dhampur Sugar, others tumble up to 5% as govt allows duty-free imports
Sugar stocks fell sharply on Friday after the government allowed duty-free imports of 1 million tonnes of raw sugar until October 31. Balrampur Chini Mills, Dhampur Sugar Mills and Bajaj Hindusthan Sugar declined sharply, reversing recent gains driven by rising sugar prices and tightening supply ahead of the festive season.
Himachal Pradesh bans sale, use of ‘analogue paneer’ passed off as real paneer
Himachal Pradesh has banned non-dairy analogue paneer being sold as genuine. This action follows market surveillance and laboratory testing by the Food Safety Department. Suppliers were found substituting milk fat with vegetable oils in paneer-like products. Restaurants and hotels must now clearly declare any non-dairy alternatives to consumers. Food business operators must maintain proper records for product traceability and safety.
India allows duty-free sugar imports as prices climb ahead of festive season
Centre has allowed duty-free imports of 1 million metric tonnes of sugar as prices surge nearly 40% in two months amid tightening supplies. The move comes alongside stricter stockholding limits for bulk consumers, with festive demand expected to rise through November and weather conditions adding pressure to sugarcane availability.
Sugar stocks Bajaj Hindusthan Sugar, Balrampur Chini, others rally up to 8% even as govt tightens stock limits
Sugar stocks rallied up to 8% after the government tightened inventory limits for dealers amid record-high sugar prices. Bajaj Hindusthan Sugar led gains, while Balrampur Chini and other stocks also advanced. Concerns over domestic and Brazilian supply, rising festive-season demand and a possible cut in import duties have further supported prices.
Brands unwrap premium gifting packs on quick commerce for festive season
Brands are launching festive, event-specific products on quick commerce platforms as shoppers increasingly turn to rapid delivery for gifting. From rakhis and premium chocolates to jewellery, beauty products and traditional wear, brands are tailoring offerings to specific occasions and micro-markets. D2C brands are also reporting a sharp rise in festive demand.
India tightens sugar stock limits to tame record prices
India has ordered dealers to hold sugar inventories for only fifteen days. This new rule takes effect from September first until November thirtieth. The government aims to bolster sugar supplies and rein in soaring prices. Festival demand and patchy rains have contributed to the current price surge. These measures are intended to stabilize the market through the busy festival season.
The Economic Times Startup Awards 2026: Nominees for Woman Ahead and Social Enterprise
Happy Thursday! The ETtech team has been preparing for the past few months to bring you the 12th edition of The Economic Times Startup Awards (ETSA). Today, we are unveiling the nominees for two more categories: Woman Ahead and Social Enterprise.
Consider relaxing firecracker noise limit curbs before Diwali: SC to CPCB
The Supreme Court asked the CPCB to explore partial relaxation of firecracker rules. This request came during a hearing on Delhi's pollution menace. The court urged the Centre to consider some exceptions for the upcoming Diwali season. Previously, the court had banned firecrackers due to rising air pollution levels. Last year, green firecrackers were permitted for a limited period.
FMCG, auto and consumer companies step up festive marketing spends by up to 20%
Indian consumer companies are increasing festive marketing budgets by up to 20% as demand shows signs of strengthening and dealers build inventory ahead of the key consumption season. Automakers, FMCG and electronics firms are boosting advertising and consumer engagement despite margin pressures from higher input costs and rupee depreciation.
The ET Startup Awards 2026: Nominees for Best on Campus and Comeback Kid
Happy Tuesday! We are excited to bring you the 12th edition of The Economic Times Startup Awards (ETSA). In the run-up to the coveted honours, we are announcing the nominees for the Best on Campus and Comeback Kid categories for you today.
New-age firms cushion Q1 raw material, diesel cost shock with price hikes, efficiencies
New-age consumer and logistics firms managed cost increases during the April-June quarter. Strong sales growth and selective price hikes helped limit margin impacts for many companies. Honasa Consumer's gross margin declined slightly, while Wakefit saw an increase due to price adjustments. Logistics firms like Delhivery largely passed on diesel cost rises through contracts.
Independence Day sales surge up to 25%, lifting festive demand
This year's Independence Day sales have brought impressive growth for brands and retailers, with value sales soaring by up to 25% and volume sales increasing by 5-7%. Such encouraging figures foreshadow a vibrant festive consumption period ahead. Major players like Reliance Retail and Lifestyle have documented remarkable sales performance, while online platforms have also witnessed demand surpassing expectations across diverse product categories.
Sugar mills unlikely to advance crushing season despite promise to govt: Industry officials
Most sugar mills will not advance their crushing season by fifteen days. A significant shortage of migrant labor remains the primary obstacle for mills. This labor is typically available only around Diwali in November each year. Mechanized harvesting cannot adequately compensate for the missing workforce. Industry bodies had promised the government an earlier start to crushing operations.
LG Electronics India sees bigger screens, premium appliances powering FY27 growth
LG India reported strong June quarter results with revenue up fifteen point five percent. Bigger television screens and premium appliances are driving current sales momentum. The company expects continued growth from larger screens and new product launches. Festive season demand and exports will further support the fiscal year twenty twenty-seven outlook. LG India retains its mid-teen revenue growth and double-digit EBITDA margin goals.
RBI turns upbeat as worst of Iran war shock recedes
India’s economy is showing resilience five months after the Iran war sparked fears of inflation and a downturn. Inflation remains within the RBI’s tolerance band, while vehicle sales, credit growth and GST receipts point to firm demand. Strong corporate balance sheets and festive-season spending are further bolstering optimism despite renewed oil and currency risks.
From discovery to purchase: How creators shape Gen Z's festive shopping
About 34% of Gen Z turn to social platforms for inspiration and ideas, and 28% use them to coordinate plans or gifting, per a study conducted by social media app Snapchat and market research firm GWI. The research, titled ‘Unlocking India's Gen Z Shopping Circles’ was conducted in June with 1,000 participants between the age group of 16-27.
Festive hiring set to rise 15-20% as frontline roles get more specialised
Temporary festive hiring is expected to grow15-20%across retail, ecommerce, quick commerce, logistics, FMCG and consumer durables, TeamLease said. Hiring is shifting towards specialised frontline roles. Ecommerce, quick commerce and logistics will see strong demand, while frontline salaries may rise8-10%in H2 2026. Tier-1 cities are expected to account for 40.5% of festive jobs.
Mid-year ecommerce sales set to cool as costs heat up
Online sales volumes are expected to grow about 10-15%, compared with 20% last year when Independence Day and Raksha Bandhan coincided, boosting purchases, according to analysts. Ecommerce majors Amazon and Flipkart started their Independence Day sale events last Friday. For the platforms, demand during the period is usually driven by Raksha Bandhan gifting purchases. This year, Raksha Bandhan comes around a fortnight after the sale events end.
Alternative fuels now within striking distance of petrol in passenger vehicle market, says FADA
Alternative fuels are closing in on petrol's share in India's vehicle market. CNG leads the alternative fuel segment, followed by hybrids and electric vehicles. This shift indicates a rapid change in the fuel mix for vehicles. The Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations released this retail data for July. The gap between alternative fuels and petrol has significantly narrowed.
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