TIMES UPDATE

• Top-10 firms gain Rs 2.15 lakh crore in a week; Airtel emerges biggest winner
  June 21, 2026 by TOI Business Desk
  Indian equity markets witnessed a significant surge last week, adding Rs 2.15 lakh crore to the valuation of nine out of the top 10 most valuable companies. Bharti Airtel emerged as the top gainer, followed by LIC and Bajaj Finance. This rally was fueled by improved global risk appetite and easing geopolitical concerns, boosting investor […]
• Exports up 15% so far in June quarter despite global headwinds, says Piyush Goyal
  June 21, 2026 by TOI Business Desk
  India's merchandise exports have demonstrated remarkable resilience, surging approximately 15% from April 1 to June 14, despite global economic headwinds and increased US tariffs. Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted this robust growth, even as international trade faces significant challenges. This positive trend follows a strong May performance, underscoring India's continued strength in outbound shipments. Goyal also […]
• Petrol, diesel rates may ease as cheaper crude arrives, says oil minister Puri
  June 20, 2026 by TOI Business Desk
  Petrol and diesel prices may soon see a dip as India receives cheaper crude oil, Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri indicated. He defended domestic fuel pricing, stating increases have been minimal globally despite market volatility. The government has absorbed significant costs through excise duty cuts, shielding consumers from the full impact of rising international rates. […]
• 3 Indian-flagged oil tankers cross Strait of Hormuz, head home with 94 crew members
  June 20, 2026 by TOI Business Desk
  Three Indian oil tankers, carrying over 8.6 lakh metric tonnes of cargo and 94 crew members, have successfully navigated the Strait of Hormuz and are heading home. This safe passage follows a US decision to lift its blockade on Iran, allowing resumed movement through the vital waterway. The government assures continued efforts to protect India's […]
• Monsoon, El Niño and market trends: NSE highlights key risks for India’s 2026 economy
  June 20, 2026 by TOI Business Desk
  India's 2026 economic outlook hinges on monsoon performance, with El Niño posing a significant risk of deficient rainfall impacting agriculture. Meanwhile, the nation's equity investor base is rapidly expanding, becoming younger and more diverse, with a notable surge in participation from smaller cities. Despite this growth, trading activity remains heavily concentrated among a small group […]
• Milk prices may rise again by July as El Niño threatens fodder supply
  June 20, 2026 by TOI Business Desk
  Dairy consumers might face another price hike by July or August, with industry experts warning of a potential 3-4% increase. This follows a recent 2-3% rise in May. Concerns are mounting over El Niño potentially worsening fodder shortages and impacting milk production, prompting the Maharashtra government to urge farmers to boost fodder cultivation. Major dairies […]
• Why India, among largest economies, doesn’t rank in top 50 world’s most powerful passports
  June 20, 2026 by Smriti Jain and Yashasvi Vasistha
  Despite India's robust economic growth, its passport ranks surprisingly low globally, hovering around the 80th position. This reflects a slower expansion of visa-free access compared to other nations. Factors like diplomatic ties, reciprocal agreements, and perceived security influence rankings, not just economic might. India's progress is gradual, requiring strategic diplomatic efforts and strengthened internal systems […]
• 7 new bullet train corridors approved: Centre steps up high-speed rail expansion across India
  June 20, 2026 by TOI Business Desk
  India is set to revolutionize its rail network with the approval of seven new bullet train corridors, promising significantly reduced travel times between major cities. Key routes like Mumbai-Ahmedabad will see journeys slashed to under two hours, while Bengaluru-Chennai will take just over an hour. This ambitious expansion, including the Delhi-Varanasi-Patna corridor, aims to boost […]
• China's economy struggles to regain domestic momentum despite export boom: Report
  June 20, 2026 by TOI Business Desk
  Despite strong export growth, China's domestic economy faces significant challenges. Consumer spending saw a decline in May, with retail sales falling for the first time since late 2022. Consumer confidence remains low, and credit demand is weak, indicating reluctance from businesses and households to borrow. The property sector continues to struggle, though some major cities […]
• Middle East conflict pushes India to rethink LPG imports as OMCs continued to absorb price shocks
  June 20, 2026 by TOI Business Desk
  India significantly diversified its LPG imports, tapping the US, Iran, and other nations to reduce Middle East dependence amid regional crisis. While state-run retailers absorbed price hikes, domestic consumption dipped due to tighter supplies and rising costs. The move, though ensuring continuity, highlighted ongoing import reliance and the need for a broader sourcing strategy to […]
• Crude comeback: 20 million barrels leave Iran port after peace breakthrough
  June 20, 2026 by TOI World Desk
  Iran's oil exports have surged following a peace deal with Washington, with 11 tankers carrying 20 million barrels departing the Gulf of Oman. This increase coincides with new maritime regulations for the Strait of Hormuz. However, the delay of permanent peace talks due to regional clashes casts a shadow on the long-term outlook, with lighter […]
• Accenture outlook cut sparks fresh fears over IT recovery
  June 20, 2026 by Shilpa Phadnis
  Global tech spending concerns have intensified as Accenture lowered its FY26 revenue growth forecast to 3-4%. This outlook, despite a resilient third quarter, signals potential prolonged weak demand for Indian IT services firms, possibly extending into FY27. Analysts suggest this weakness at a leading IT player negatively impacts demand prospects for India's top IT companies, […]
• Reliance succession plan on track, enters final leg
  June 20, 2026 by Reeba Zachariah
  Chairman Mukesh Ambani Says RIL Future In Safe Hands, Conglomerate Indivisible
• Sebi allows easier transfer of shares of dead investors
  June 19, 2026
• Rupee ends higher for second day, settles at 94.33 as trade deal hopes offset oil concerns
  June 19, 2026 by TOI Business Desk
  The Indian rupee strengthened for a second day, closing at 94.33 against the US dollar, buoyed by positive India-US trade talks. Hopes for an interim trade agreement between the two nations are rising, with negotiators urged to expedite efforts. However, global uncertainties and a stronger dollar limited the rupee's gains. Analysts anticipate continued inflows supporting […]
• Jio IPO risk factors: From spectrum renewals to AI rules, key challenges flagged in draft papers
  June 19, 2026 by TOI Business Desk
  Jio Platforms, gearing up for a massive IPO, has revealed significant risks including spectrum renewal challenges, cybersecurity threats, and evolving AI and data privacy regulations. The company also faces uncertainties in its satellite connectivity ventures and potential competition from within the Reliance Group. These disclosures highlight potential hurdles to its future growth and profitability as […]
• Kisan Credit Card rules revised: RBI standardises crop season norms, retains collateral-free loan limit
  June 19, 2026 by TOI Business Desk
  The Reserve Bank of India has revamped the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) framework, standardizing crop season definitions and aligning them with banking asset-classification norms. Effective January 2027, these changes aim to simplify farm loan processes and ensure timely credit for agriculture and allied activities. Collateral-free lending up to Rs 2 lakh per borrower remains, with […]
• Sebi clears SBI Mutual Fund IPO; Rs 13,000 crore share sale likely next month
  June 19, 2026 by TOI Business Desk
  India's largest asset manager, SBI Mutual Fund, has secured Sebi's nod for its Rs 13,000 crore initial public offering. The upcoming share sale, an offer for sale by existing shareholders State Bank of India and Amundi India Holding, is slated for next month. This listing will bring the country's biggest fund house, managing nearly Rs […]
• Sitharaman says external aid projects should help Northeast products reach global markets
  June 19, 2026 by TOI Business Desk
  Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman emphasized that externally aided projects in the Northeast should empower local products for global markets and strengthen livelihoods. She highlighted a seven-fold increase in assistance, with over 10,000 km of roads built since 2014. Sitharaman underscored the region's potential, stating that EAPs offer a development model combining central support, state […]
• Reliance’s Jio Platforms IPO: From Meta, Google backing to AI ambitions — 10 takeaways from what could be India's biggest public issue
  June 19, 2026 by TOI Business Desk
  Jio Platforms is set to launch India's largest IPO, aiming to raise $4 billion and valuing the digital giant at $137 billion. This move by Reliance Industries aims to unlock value from its expansive digital services, including connectivity, broadband, and AI. The offering exclusively involves fresh capital, with no existing shareholder exits, and proceeds will […]