BILKUL BAZAAR— The Weekly News Wrap
Bilkul Bazaar
September 19–26, 2026
National Business News Highlights
1. NSE makes market debut after mega IPO
The National Stock Exchange made its much-awaited stock-market debut on September 24, with shares opening at ₹1,800 and gaining during the session after its $2.4-billion IPO.
2. India’s FDI inflows rise 6%
Foreign direct investment into India increased 6% year-on-year to $19.81 billion in April–June 2026, with Singapore, Mauritius and the US among the leading sources.
3. India’s business activity rebounds in September
India’s flash Composite PMI rose to 56.5, its highest level since June, supported by stronger manufacturing and services demand.
4. UPI fee framework set to reshape digital payments
The shift toward merchant charges under the new UPI framework is expected to change the competitive landscape, with PhonePe and Google Pay together accounting for about 80% of UPI payment value.
5. Amazon plans $3-billion India quick-commerce investment
Amazon is planning to invest around $3 billion by 2030 to expand its quick-commerce operations in India, according to sources cited by Reuters.
6. HSBC plans return to India’s equity-broking business
HSBC is preparing to re-enter India’s equity-broking market after more than a decade, seeking to tap the country’s expanding capital-markets and IPO activity.
7. India’s tech funding rises to $10.3 billion
Indian technology companies attracted $10.3 billion in funding during the first nine months of 2026, up 7%, with investors showing greater preference for larger funding rounds.
8. PLI payouts cross ₹36,750 crore
Production-linked incentive schemes have resulted in more than ₹36,750 crore in payouts, while manufacturing investments under the programmes crossed ₹2.58 lakh crore.
9. IWG plans 400 flexible-work centres in India
Flexible-workspace company IWG plans to expand its Indian network to 400 centres by 2029, including new OpenOffice locations.
10. Aequs promoter group to invest ₹650 crore
Aequs’ promoter group has approved a ₹650-crore warrant issue, which is expected to raise the promoters’ stake to 60.73% and support the aerospace supplier’s expansion plans.
Weekly International Business News Highlights
1. US business activity hits more than five-year high
US private-sector business activity accelerated in September, with the Composite PMI reaching 58.4, its highest level since July 2021. At the same time, inflation pressures remained a concern.
2. Global bond sell-off intensifies
US long-term Treasury yields climbed to their highest level in more than two decades, adding pressure to global bond markets and raising concerns over borrowing costs.
3. SoftBank launches $11-billion bond sale
SoftBank launched more than $10 billion in US-dollar bonds plus €1 billion in euro bonds, with the financing aimed at supporting its investment plans, including its OpenAI exposure.
4. Royal Caribbean to acquire 50% of Sandals Resorts
Royal Caribbean Group agreed to acquire a 50% stake in Sandals Resorts International in a deal valued at around $3 billion, expanding its presence in the Caribbean resort business.
5. China slows humanoid-robot IPO rush
China has begun taking a more cautious approach to humanoid-robot listings as enthusiasm for the sector runs ahead of commercial reality, according to Reuters.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“The purpose of business is to create a customer.”
— Peter Drucker
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