Business — Page 8
Companies, markets, economy, finance, trade and commercial activity

Hang Seng Index Falls as Beijing Withholds Major Economic Stimulus
The Hang Seng Index opened down 0.8% on August 12, reacting to Beijing's indication of economic support without new, large-scale stimulus measures. The absence of forceful intervention left investor sentiment fragile.

Al Qadsiah in Advanced Talks for Manchester City Midfielder Tijjani Reijnders
Saudi club Al Qadsiah is in advanced negotiations to sign Manchester City midfielder Tijjani Reijnders. The deal is reportedly worth around 60 million euros and is nearing completion.

Illinois Ticket Wins $1.04 Billion Powerball Jackpot
A single Powerball ticket sold in Illinois has won a $1.04 billion jackpot, the eighth-largest prize in U.S. lottery history. The winner can choose between an annuity or a $450.5 million lump sum before taxes.
Dhoot Transmission IPO Allotment Expected August 13 Amid Strong Subscription
The allotment for the Dhoot Transmission IPO is anticipated on August 13, 2026, following a subscription rate of approximately 74 times. Shares are slated for credit to demat accounts on August 14, with the listing scheduled for August 17.

University of Reading Creates First 100% British Chocolate Bar Since 1932
Scientists at the University of Reading have produced the first 100% British chocolate bar since 1932, using cocoa grown in Berkshire. The creation highlights the fragility of global food supplies and the impact of climate change on cocoa production.

Kalshi Offers Up to $500 Bonus for New Users Trading Prediction Markets
Kalshi, a federally regulated prediction market exchange, is offering new users a bonus of up to $500. To qualify, users must trade at least $25 on the platform's prediction markets within seven days of registration.

Tata Sons Chairman N. Chandrasekaran to Step Down in 2027
Tata Trusts has accepted Chairman N. Chandrasekaran's decision not to seek reappointment. His term concludes in February 2027 after a transformative nine-year period leading the conglomerate.

Natarajan Chandrasekaran Resigns as Tata Sons Chairman Amid Board Deadlock
Natarajan Chandrasekaran has resigned as chairman of Tata Sons, citing a lack of board approval for his reappointment due to tensions with the group's controlling charity arm. The decision followed a deadlock over his tenure extension.

Etihad Airways Ranks Third in Middle East Flyers' Choice Awards
Etihad Airways secured third place in the Middle East and Africa category at the 2026 Flyers’ Choice Awards. The Abu Dhabi-based airline also achieved recognition for passenger trust and aircraft livery.

Quarkitech Secures ₹2 Crore Pre-Seed Funding for Data Compression Tech
Deep-tech firm Quarkitech has raised ₹2 crore in pre-seed funding to develop its data compression technology for defence and aerospace. The company also received a ₹1.5-crore grant under the National Quantum Mission.

Taiwan Stock Index Edges Up, Led by Tech Sector Gains
Taiwan's benchmark stock index, TAIEX, reached a five-week high on Thursday, driven by advances in the electronic technology sector. Major tech firms like TSMC and Hon Hai Precision Industry saw significant gains.

14,086 Students Secure MBA/MMS Seats in Maharashtra's Second CAP Round
The Maharashtra CET Cell has announced that 14,086 students secured seats in the second round of MBA/MMS admissions. Successful candidates must confirm their admissions between August 13 and August 17.

Air India Flight: 9 Warnings Logged in 1 Minute Before Turbulence Incident
An Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi experienced significant turbulence, causing injuries to 24 people. A post-flight log revealed nine system warnings within a single minute, including issues with hydraulic pressure and autopilot.
Andhra Pradesh Partners with IIT-Madras for Uppada Coastline Protection
The Andhra Pradesh government has signed an agreement with IIT-Madras to construct a seawall to protect the Uppada coast. The project, estimated at ₹323 crore, will be monitored by IIT-Madras.

Indian Potash Ltd to Establish Two Sugar Mills in Bihar
Indian Potash Ltd will operate two new sugar mills in Bihar as part of a state initiative to revive closed industries. The project aims to boost farmer income and create local employment.

Powerball Jackpot Soars to $1 Billion, Largest of the Year
The Powerball jackpot reached $1 billion for Wednesday night's drawing, the highest of 2026. A single winner could receive $433.1 million as a lump sum before taxes, significantly reducing the final payout.

India Mandates Removal of Pre-Ride Tipping Prompts by Ride-Hailing Apps
India's road transport ministry has ordered ride-hailing companies to eliminate tipping prompts shown before rides conclude. The directive aims to prevent potential passenger coercion and ensure tipping remains a voluntary act post-service.

Kolkata Metro's Joka-Esplanade Line Completes Final Tunnel Section
The Joka-Esplanade Metro line in Kolkata has completed its final tunnel breakthrough at Victoria Metro Station. This marks a significant step for the long-delayed Purple line, which is expected to be fully operational by 2029.

Vodafone Idea Eyes SBI-Led Consortium for Rs 45,000 Crore Capex
Vodafone Idea is seeking debt capital from an SBI-led consortium to fund its Rs 45,000 crore network expansion plan. The company has already secured initial funding and placed orders for network equipment.

Shiprocket IPO: Examining Valuation and Growth Prospects
Shiprocket is set to launch its IPO on August 12, 2026, with an issue size of approximately Rs 1,617 crore. The company's core shipping business is profitable and cash-generating, while newer ventures are still under development.

Hornets Secure One-Year Over-the-Air Deal with Cox Media Group
The Charlotte Hornets have finalized a one-year, over-the-air local broadcast agreement with Cox Media Group. This deal prioritizes fan accessibility by offering free linear television broadcasts for non-national games.

India's Retail Inflation Stable at 4.45% in July Amidst Food and Fuel Price Hikes
India's retail inflation remained stable at 4.45% in July, aligning with analyst expectations. Rising food and fuel costs were balanced by subdued core inflation, prompting the RBI's Monetary Policy Committee to maintain its stance.
Tata Motors Reports 83% Profit Surge on Strong Vehicle Sales
Tata Motors announced an 83% increase in consolidated net profit to ₹2,556 crore for the first quarter ended June 30, 2026. The growth was driven by robust vehicle sales and gains on investments in Tata Capital.

India Floats ₹1 Lakh Crore Tender for Medium Transport Aircraft
India's Defence Ministry has initiated a tender worth approximately ₹1 lakh crore to procure up to 60 medium transport aircraft. This move aims to enhance the Indian Air Force's airlift capabilities and aligns with the 'Make in India' initiative.