BILKUL BAZAAR— The Daily News Wrap
- Bilkul Bazaar
- 9:00 PM | 18 Aug – 19 Aug 2026
National Business News Highlights
1. Shiprocket Makes Strong Market Debut, Lists at 35% Premium
E-commerce logistics company Shiprocket made an impressive stock-market debut on August 19, with its shares listing at ₹131, about 35% above its IPO price of ₹97. The listing reflects strong investor interest in the company’s public offering.
2. Horizon Industrial Parks IPO Enters Final Subscription Day
The ₹2,600-crore Horizon Industrial Parks IPO entered its final bidding day on August 19. The industrial and logistics infrastructure developer’s issue had received about 24% subscription by the end of Day 2, keeping investor attention focused on the offering.
3. Tempsens Instruments IPO to Open on August 20
Tempsens Instruments (India) is set to open its IPO for subscription on August 20, adding another issue to India’s busy primary market. Grey-market activity ahead of the opening has attracted investor attention.
4. Global Shocks and IPO Rush May Limit India’s Market Recovery
Investment firm Abakkus Investment Managers warned that global risks, elevated crude prices, rising bond yields and a surge in IPOs could restrict the pace of India’s equity-market recovery. Strong corporate earnings and domestic demand remain positives, but liquidity flowing into new issues could weigh on secondary-market activity.
5. Indian Refiners Benefit From Global Fuel Supply Disruptions
Indian refiners, including Reliance and Nayara, are benefiting from supply disruptions caused by wars and restrictions affecting Middle Eastern and Russian fuel flows. Indian refineries have increased utilisation and exports as buyers seek alternative supplies.
6. ONGC Commissions Gas Evacuation Facility in Assam
ONGC has commissioned gas evacuation facilities at Khoraghat GGS-1 in Assam’s Golaghat district, enabling surplus natural gas to be processed and evacuated. The development supports expansion of domestic gas production and infrastructure.
7. Coal India Floats Tender for 750 MWh Battery Storage Project
Coal India has invited bids for a 187.5 MW/750 MWh battery energy-storage system in Telangana. The project marks another step in the expansion of large-scale energy-storage infrastructure alongside conventional power generation.
8. India’s WTO Challenge Over US Quartz Tariffs Moves Forward
India has initiated WTO consultations challenging US tariffs on Indian quartz products. Under WTO procedures, the US is required to enter consultations within 30 days; failure to resolve the dispute could lead India to seek establishment of a WTO panel.
9. HUL Moves Delhi High Court Over Advertising Dispute
Hindustan Unilever has approached the Delhi High Court against Kwick Living over advertisements relating to Surf Excel and Vim, alleging product disparagement and trademark infringement. The case highlights the increasingly competitive nature of India’s consumer-goods market.
10. CFO and Finance Leadership in Focus as Industry Meets in Bengaluru
More than 150 CFOs and finance leaders are scheduled to gather in Bengaluru for CFO StraTech 2026 to discuss India’s next phase of growth, technology-led finance transformation and changing business priorities.
International Business News Highlights
1. US Pauses 50% Tariffs on Canadian Imports for Three Days
US President Donald Trump announced a three-day delay in imposing proposed 50% tariffs on about $20 billion of Canadian imports, giving the two countries additional time to negotiate a trade agreement. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said important work remains.
2. Oil Prices Rise as Hormuz Supply Risks Intensify
Oil prices climbed around 1%, with Brent approaching $92 a barrel and WTI moving above $86, as uncertainty over shipping through the Strait of Hormuz intensified. The UAE’s suspension of economic and financial ties with Iran added to supply concerns.
3. Samsung Raises Advanced Chipmaking Prices by Up to 15%
Samsung Electronics has raised prices for some advanced contract chipmaking services by as much as 15% for new orders, according to sources cited by Reuters. Strong AI-chip demand is tightening semiconductor manufacturing capacity globally.
4. Hong Kong Exchange Reports Record First-Half Profit
Hong Kong’s stock exchange reported record first-half profit, supported by stronger trading and fundraising activity. The exchange expects momentum to continue as investor participation from mainland China and other markets increases.
5. Unitree Humanoid Robot Maker Soars in Shanghai Debut
Chinese robotics company Unitree made a spectacular Shanghai trading debut, with its shares rising nearly six-fold. The listing highlights growing investor enthusiasm for China’s robotics and artificial-intelligence industries.
💬 QUOTE OF THE DAY
“The secret of getting ahead is getting started.”
— Mark Twain