India’s passenger vehicle market witnessed a sharp slowdown in August, with sales falling 9 percent year-on-year, according to the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM). The decline reflects weaker consumer sentiment, rising ownership costs, and subdued demand in both urban and rural markets. While automakers had anticipated festive-season optimism, the August figures highlight challenges such as high interest rates, inflationary pressures, and uneven monsoon rainfall impacting rural purchasing power.

Gold prices eased slightly in early trade as global investors turned cautious ahead of the U.S. Federal Reserve’s upcoming policy decision. The yellow metal, often considered a safe-haven asset, has witnessed subdued demand as markets anticipate signals on interest rates and future monetary tightening. A stronger dollar and steady bond yields have weighed on sentiment, prompting some investors to book profits.

The Income Tax Department has officially clarified that September 15 will remain the deadline for filing income tax returns (ITRs) for specific categories of taxpayers. This confirmation brings clarity amid speculation of potential extensions, ensuring individuals, professionals, and businesses prepare accordingly. The department’s communication underscores the government’s intent to enforce compliance while streamlining the tax administration system.

Vikram Solar, one of India’s leading renewable energy solutions providers, has finalized an agreement to supply 200 megawatts (MW) of solar modules to AB Energia. The deal marks another milestone in strengthening India’s position as a global exporter of clean energy technology. By partnering with AB Energia, Vikram Solar is not only expanding its international footprint but also contributing to the global energy transition.

Kerala is taking a significant step in strengthening its agro-industrial base with the development of a state-of-the-art food processing hub in Angamaly. Positioned as a catalyst for regional growth, the project is expected to integrate farmers, entrepreneurs, and export markets under a common ecosystem. By offering world-class infrastructure, value-addition facilities, and modern logistics, the hub aims to transform Kerala’s agricultural output into globally competitive products.

The recent reduction in Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates on automobiles has inadvertently created disruptions in the auto financing market, with several customers cancelling their existing car loans to take advantage of lower vehicle prices. Lenders, dealers, and automakers are grappling with the unexpected fallout as buyers reconsider loan agreements signed prior to the tax revision.

Low-cost carrier SpiceJet is grappling with yet another financial challenge as reports emerge of delayed salary payments to its employees. The airline, already under scrutiny for liquidity concerns and operational setbacks, has pushed back salary disbursements for certain staff, exacerbating anxiety within its workforce. While management has assured employees that payments will be cleared shortly, the incident highlights deeper structural pressures on the company.

India’s largest power producer, NTPC, is preparing to make a decisive shift into nuclear energy by pursuing projects independently, rather than through joint ventures. This move signals the company’s intention to diversify its portfolio beyond coal and renewable sources, aligning with the nation’s ambition to expand clean baseload capacity. NTPC’s plan to develop nuclear projects in-house reflects a growing confidence in its technical and financial capabilities, while also underscoring the government’s strategic push toward reducing carbon intensity.

Ongoing civil unrest in Nepal has disrupted supply chains and production schedules for major FMCG companies, including Dabur and Britannia, affecting domestic and export operations. The unrest has led to logistical bottlenecks, temporary factory shutdowns, and delayed shipments, highlighting vulnerabilities in cross-border supply networks. Analysts note that the situation underscores the sensitivity of consumer goods companies to geopolitical instability in neighboring markets.

Gold futures in India reached an all-time high of Rs 1.09 lakh per 10 grams, reflecting heightened investor interest amid global economic uncertainties and rising inflationary concerns. The surge is driven by robust demand from both institutional and retail investors seeking safe-haven assets, alongside favorable currency movements and geopolitical tensions. Analysts suggest that sustained inflows into gold are underpinned by its role as a hedge against market volatility and currency depreciation.