₹26.75 Lakh Cr Corporate Investment Announced: 56% in ITES, Consumer Demand Weak (CMIE Data)

IIP Growth Hits 7.3% in June 2026, Highest in 23 Months; Consumer Demand Weak

India's IIP grew 7.3% YoY in June 2026, the highest in 23 months. However, the growth is driven by capital and infrastructure goods due to government spending, while consumer goods (especially non-durables) show weakness, highlighting a demand-side slowdown amid high prices.

India's Q1 GDP Growth at 7.8% but Raises Concerns on Jobs, Wages & Investment

MoSPI reported India's Q1 2026-27 GDP growth at 7.8% constant and 10.3% nominal. However, the article by P Chidambaram highlights deep structural concerns: high youth unemployment (16.2%), 8.7 crore NEET youth, negative real wage growth for casual workers, stagnant manufacturing at 13% of GVA, and low private capex. The data raises questions on whether growth is percolating to citizens.

IIP August 2026: Manufacturing Output Rises 9%, Consumer Durables Up 11.1%

India's industrial output (IIP) grew 8% in August 2026, driven by manufacturing (9% growth) and a favourable base effect from pre-GST rate cut inventory adjustments in 2025. While consumer durables posted strong 11.1% growth, the slow 2.1% rise in non-durables signals weak rural/FMCG demand, a key concern for the upcoming festive season.

India’s Gold Demand Shifts: Investment ETFs Hit Record 20 Tonnes, Jewellery Falls 17% in H1 2026

India's gold market is undergoing a structural shift: jewellery demand is falling (down 17% in H1 2026) while investment demand via ETFs, bars, and coins is surging. This dual-track trend, alongside a 124% YoY rise in gold-backed loans, signals financialisation of gold and holds major implications for India's current account, monetary policy, and financial stability.

IBC Haircuts Explained: Subhash Chandra's Rs 6.5 Cr Settlement, Recovery Rates at 20%

The NCLT approved a settlement where Subhash Chandra pays only Rs 6.5 crore against admitted claims of Rs 22,006.57 crore, sparking debate on deep 'haircuts' under IBC. This news highlights the core tension between resolution and recovery, with FY26 recovery at a five-year low of 20%. For aspirants, it's a critical case to understand the IBC mechanism, valuation methods, and the government vs. banks perspective.

RBI Flags Consumption Loan Risk: Gen Z Unsecured Debt Hits 58.4% of Household Borrowings

Gen Z’s buy-now-pay-later lifestyle is driving a surge in unsecured consumption loans. Non-housing retail loans now constitute 58.4% of household debt, with delinquencies rising and fintechs holding 56.8% of small-ticket personal loans. The RBI has flagged these risks for close monitoring.

India's GDP Growth Stays Above 7% Amid West Asia War: 125 bps Repo Rate Cut, Low Services Inflation Key

The Indian economy has defied expectations of a sharp slowdown despite the West Asia war. GDP growth remained above 7%, inflation stayed low, and current account deficit was contained at 0.3% of GDP. Key factors include 125 bps repo rate cuts, GST cuts, and resilient services exports and low services inflation. However, risks persist from rising food inflation, potential El Niño impact, and vulnerability of services sector.

CBI Registers ₹1,816.22 Cr EPFO Investment Fraud Case Against Reliance Capital, Anil Ambani

The CBI has registered a major fraud case involving EPFO funds invested in Reliance Capital NCDs. This highlights issues of corporate governance, public sector investment safety, and regulatory oversight. For exams, focus on EPFO's investment norms, CBI's jurisdiction, and criminal provisions invoked.