Daily Market Pulse: Key Stock Highlights

🗞️ Daily Business Brief – AUG 16, 2026

• Karnataka Government gives in-principle approval for 4,500 e-buses; Cabinet approval expected next week, with ₹1,505 crore subsidy involved.
• NITI Aayog targets $81 billion chemical exports by 2030, focusing on speciality chemicals, inorganic chemicals and petrochemicals.
• India Coal Imports metallurgical coal imports surge 10.4% while thermal coal imports decline 5.5%, indicating stronger steel-sector demand.
• Government cuts petrol export windfall tax to zero while retaining ₹24/litre levy on diesel and reducing ATF export tax to ₹19.5/litre.
• Government launches foreign asset disclosure scheme for small taxpayers, offering disclosure at 60% tax without penalty or prosecution.
• India Semiconductor Mission PM Modi says three chip plants are operational and 5–8 more plants are expected over the next 7–8 years.
• Goldman Sachs estimates global AI spending at around $1 trillion this year but says investment levels do not yet indicate a bubble.
• MMDR Mining Reform Parliament passes mining reforms, with states retaining 90% of mining tax revenue.
• Red Sea Crisis maritime disruption continues, with GTRI warning that Indian MSME exporters are bearing higher logistics costs and longer trade routes.
• India GDP Outlook India could reach a $20 trillion economy by 2036, according to Equirus, requiring significant acceleration from the current $3.7 trillion level.
• Adani Airports Navi Mumbai Airport plans to expand its cargo network with 13 new freighter routes, beginning with Hong Kong.
• FSSAI directs six food companies to withdraw misleading label claims; companies were not publicly named.
• Iran-Oman Iran says it has reached a Hormuz shipping arrangement with Oman amid escalating geopolitical tensions.
• Yemen’s Mokha Port suspends operations after Houthi missile attacks reportedly killed seven people and caused around $16 million in losses.
• India EV Exports surge 16x in one year, rising from $22 million to $369 million.
• SBI projects 8% GDP growth for Q1 FY27, maintaining a positive view on India’s growth despite global uncertainty.
• Government Debt debt-to-GDP ratio remains elevated at 58.2% in FY26, around 210 bps above the stated target.
• Tata Sons AGM may be adjourned on August 18 if quorum requirements are not met following a regulatory order affecting Sir Ratan Tata Trust’s representation.
• SEBI relaxes norms for online bond platforms, allowing offerings of products regulated by SEBI, RBI, IRDAI, IFSCA and PFRDA, including tax-saving bonds.
• Department of Atomic Energy releases draft SHANTI Act rules requiring nuclear plant operators to maintain insurance or financial security for nuclear damage.
• GTRI urges India to treat maritime insecurity as a recurring global trade risk, highlighting higher costs and delays for MSME exporters.
• Embassy REIT Bain Capital entity plans to sell up to 5.64% stake through a block deal worth up to ₹1,801.7 crore at a floor price of ₹430 per unit.
• Government sets refinery-specific LPG production targets totaling 63,810 tonnes per day to strengthen domestic supply during potential disruptions.
• Eicher Motors Royal Enfield launches updated Continental GT 650 in India with styling and convenience upgrades; prices start at ₹3,58,427 ex-showroom.
• Reliance Industries and Rolls-Royce announce strategic intent to jointly develop an indigenous combat engine for India’s AMCA programme.
• PM Modi urges manufacturers to make quality the core identity of Indian products and highlights the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
• Windfall Tax petrol export tax reduced to zero from ₹3.5/litre effective August 15; ATF export tax reduced to ₹19.5/litre and diesel export tax to ₹24/litre.
• GMR Airports July passenger traffic rose 0.4% YoY to 9.3 million; international traffic increased 2% while aircraft movements declined 1.5%.
• FIIs & DIIs FIIs were net buyers of ₹508.12 crore while DIIs were net buyers of ₹356.40 crore in equities on a provisional basis.
• RBI says FCNR(B) deposits have reached $52.30 billion; the swap facility remains available until August 31, 2026, with swaps available until September 11.
• RBI reports India’s April–June current account deficit at $3.1 billion and June current account deficit at $6.2 billion.
• Kitex Garments board approves fund raise of up to ₹3,000 crore through QIP and other permitted modes.

🔔 Stay tuned for daily insights into India Inc, markets & macro stories!