BILKUL BAZAAR— The Weekly News Wrap

August 2, 2026 Bilkul Bazaar

Bilkul Bazaar | Sunday Special
July 25 –Aug 01 2026

1. GST Collections Cross ₹2.11 Lakh Crore in July
India’s gross GST collections rose 15.4% year-on-year to over ₹2.11 lakh crore in July, reflecting healthy economic activity, higher consumption and improved tax compliance.

2. IPO Market Gears Up for a Busy August
India’s primary market gathered momentum with nine IPOs opening during the week, while more than a dozen companies prepared to raise over ₹25,000 crore in August amid improving investor sentiment.

3. Government Clears Pilot Launch of Polymer ₹10 & ₹20 Notes
The Centre approved RBI’s proposal to conduct field trials of polymer ₹10 and ₹20 banknotes, a move aimed at increasing the durability of currency in circulation.

4. India Stays Off US Currency Watch List
The US Treasury expanded its foreign exchange review framework but kept India off its currency watch list, providing reassurance to investors and exporters.

5. Indian Pharma Looks Beyond US Market
Industry experts said proposed US tariff measures are encouraging Indian pharmaceutical companies to diversify export destinations and strengthen innovation capabilities.

6. Mobile Phone Exports Continue to Grow
India’s electronics exports maintained strong momentum, although experts highlighted the need to increase domestic value addition by reducing dependence on imported components.

7. Government Retains Fiscal Targets
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said there is no immediate need to revise the Union Budget estimates, citing adequate fiscal buffers despite global uncertainties.

8. Infrastructure Capex Outlook Remains Strong
Annual capital expenditure linked to mining and construction equipment is projected to approach ₹10 trillion by 2030, driven by infrastructure and industrial expansion.

9. Corporate Earnings Drive Market Sentiment
Investors tracked quarterly results from major companies including Larsen & Toubro, ITC, Maruti Suzuki, Tata Steel, Hindustan Unilever and Bajaj Finance during a crucial earnings week.

10. Gujarat Outpaces National GST Growth
Gujarat reported a 26% rise in GST collections to ₹8,418 crore in July, significantly exceeding the national growth rate and highlighting the state’s robust business activity.

🌍 International Business News

1. US Federal Reserve Holds Global Market Attention
Global investors closely watched the US Federal Reserve’s policy decision and commentary on inflation, with expectations of unchanged interest rates.

2. Crude Oil Prices Stay Volatile
Geopolitical tensions in West Asia kept oil prices volatile, raising concerns over inflation, shipping costs and global economic growth.

3. AI Investments Continue Worldwide
Governments and corporations accelerated investments in artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure and advanced technologies to strengthen competitiveness.

4. Supply Chain Diversification Gains Momentum
Businesses across major economies continued efforts to diversify supply chains and reduce dependence on single-country sourcing amid geopolitical uncertainty.

5. Global Markets Await Key Economic Data
Investors monitored GDP, inflation and employment data from the US, Europe and Japan for clues on the direction of global monetary policy and economic growth.

💬 Quote of the Week

Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world.”
— Howard Zinn

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