QUICKREADS

ICICI Bank withdraws ₹50,000 minimum balance requirement after backlash

ICICI Bank reduced minimum balance requirement from ₹50,000 to ₹15,000 after customer backlash. Pensioners and students from select institutes are exempt from maintaining minimum balance in their savings accounts.

India draws up plan to push exports, cushion tariff blow

India plans a five-year export-promotion mission to support sectors hit by US tariffs, offering ₹25,000 crore in fiscal and non-fiscal measures. The initiative aims to boost exports, provide liquidity to SMEs, and help businesses navigate trade challenges through targeted strategies.

Blackbuck to move out of Bengaluru Outer Ring Road due to bad roads, traffic

Blackbuck, a logistics startup, plans to relocate from Bengaluru's Outer Ring Road due to deteriorating infrastructure and heavy traffic, citing challenges in operating in an area originally designed for highway connectivity but now crowded with tech offices.

IndiGo expands further into Europe with three weekly Mumbai-Copenhagen flights

IndiGo launches thrice-weekly Mumbai-Copenhagen flights starting October 2025, using Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. The route marks the airline's entry into Scandinavia, expanding its global network to 138 destinations with economy and stretch seat options.

A Tariff Lesson for Coffee Drinkers

President Trump's tariffs, particularly a 50% levy on Brazilian coffee, are impacting American consumers and businesses. The cost of unroasted Brazilian beans has surged, forcing coffee retailers to raise prices. Smaller businesses, like Keia & Martyn’s Coffee, face uncertainty and potential layoffs as tariffs create volatility in supply and pricing, ultimately acting as a tax on American consumers.

Google Pledges Nearly $7 Billion in U.K. Investments

Google has announced a £5 billion ($6.78 billion) investment in the U.K. over the next two years, focusing on AI infrastructure, workforce training, and R&D, which is expected to create over 8,000 jobs annually. This move aligns with a trend of American tech companies expanding their AI capabilities in Europe, responding to increased demand for data services.

SpiceJet orders eight more Boeing 737 aircraft ahead of festive rush

SpiceJet orders eight more Boeing 737 aircraft despite two consecutive quarterly losses, aiming to boost flight capacity for the festive season. The airline recently settled disputes with lessors and repaid creditors, seeking to expand operations amid challenging market conditions.

India-US trade deal: US officials arrive in New Delhi to resolve trade tensions

The US and India are intensifying trade negotiations in New Delhi, following heightened tensions after President Trump imposed a 50% tariff on India. A US delegation led by Brendan Lynch is in talks, while Boeing executives negotiate a $4 billion aircraft sale. Despite cautious optimism, unresolved issues, including India's Russian oil purchases, complicate efforts to finalize a bilateral agreement.

Swiggy launches Toing app for affordable food ordering in Pune

Swiggy launches Toing, a new affordable food ordering app in Pune, targeting students and young professionals. Currently available in select locations, the app offers one-person meals priced between ₹100-150, with no immediate plans for wider expansion.

Euro Zone Bond Yields Edge Lower Ahead Of Central Bank Meetings

Euro zone government bonds declined on Monday as investors brace for significant macroeconomic events, including rate decisions from major central banks. French bonds lagged after Fitch downgraded France's rating, widening the yield gap with German bonds. Analysts caution that market expectations for ECB rate cuts may be overly optimistic, especially amid rising borrowing costs and political instability in France.

US trade negotiator Brendan Lynch arriving in India tonight, trade talks tomorrow

US trade negotiator Brendan Lynch arrives in India tonight for bilateral trade talks. Discussions focus on an interim trade agreement, addressing challenges like agricultural and dairy sector concerns, with aims to finalize the first stage by late 2025.

China’s Economy Shows Signs of Summer Slowdown

China's economy shows signs of weakness as retail sales, industrial production, and investment slow. Unemployment rose to 5.3%, and the housing market struggles with falling prices and declining property investment. Consumer demand remains weak, prompting calls for stimulus. Despite a 5.3% growth in the first half of the year, analysts anticipate further slowdown due to global trade tensions and reduced consumer spending.

Retailers rush to collect iPhone 17 series and iPhone Air pre-orders

Retailers in India are aggressively pre-booking Apple's upcoming iPhone 17 series and iPhone Air, offering discounts via credit card cashbacks and EMI options. Platforms like Croma and Vijay Sales are accepting pre-orders, with availability starting September 19, targeting the festive season market.

ITR 2025 filing deadline tomorrow: What if you miss it?

ITR filing deadline is tomorrow (Sept 15). Late filing risks losing loss carry-forward benefits, delayed refunds, and potential prosecution. Belated returns can be filed until Dec 31, but with penalties. Over 6 crore returns already submitted.

ITR filing deadline on September 15, over 6 crore returns filed

Over 6 crore income tax returns filed before September 15 deadline. Extension granted due to technical issues. Late filing may incur penalties up to ₹5,000 for incomes above ₹5 lakh, with potential refund delays and lost tax benefits.

New Zealand tightens police certificate rules for Indian visa applicants

New Zealand will only accept police clearance certificates from India's Regional Passport Office for visa applications starting December 1, 2025. This change aims to simplify the process and reduce authentication challenges for Indian visa applicants.