Top Business News India 2026 – Franchise, EV, FMCG & Economy Updates

Why Avataar Is Bullish About Cracking AI Video And Outdoing Global Giants

by Lokesh Choudhary on June 12, 2026 at 2:07 pm

The race in AI video generation is currently being dominated by global giants like OpenAI, Google and Chinese startups flush…

Meesho To Acquire GSF-Backed Kirana Club For ₹202 Cr

by Shrishti Bisht on June 12, 2026 at 12:34 pm

Ecommerce major Meesho will acquire B2B commerce startup Kirana Club in an all-cash deal worth ₹202.08 Cr (about $21.2 Mn).…

AI Cloud Service Provider E2E Networks Debuts On BSE Mainboard

by Palak Sharma on June 12, 2026 at 11:26 am

NSE-listed E2E Networks’ stock made its debut on BSE’s Mainboard exchange today post securing the necessary approvals from the exchanges.…

Relief For Byju Raveendran: Singapore HC Stays Jail Sentence

by Lokesh Choudhary on June 12, 2026 at 11:01 am

In a major relief for BYJU’s founder Byju Raveendran, the Singapore High Court (HC) has stayed the jail sentence. The…

AUM Ventures Launches ₹750 Cr Fund To Back Deeptech Startups

by Gaurav Bagur on June 12, 2026 at 9:17 am

Early-stage focused venture capital (VC) firm AUM Ventures has launched its second fund, the India Innovation Fund II, with a…

Rohit Sharma Backs Fitness Startup Fittr

by Shrishti Bisht on June 12, 2026 at 9:08 am

Pune-based fitness startup Fittr has onboarded Indian cricketer Rohit Sharma as an investor and equity partner, deepening a relationship that…

Gold and Silver Prices in India Today, 12 June 2026: 24K Gold Rises to ₹1,49,790, Silver Climbs as COMEX Surges 2% and 4%

by Muskaan Kapoor on June 12, 2026 at 7:04 am

Gold and silver prices in India today, 12 June 2026: 24K gold rose to ₹1,49,790 per 10g and silver climbed to ₹2,41,960 per kg, as COMEX gold surged 2% and silver jumped 4% on easing crude oil prices and end-of-week short covering. Check city-wise rates, MCX futures, and buying tips.

Government Imposes Curbs on Bulk Diesel and Petrol Purchases Through Retail Fuel Stations

by Nitin Konde on June 12, 2026 at 6:37 am

The Indian government has restricted bulk diesel and petrol purchases at retail fuel stations, citing supply chain risks.

SpaceX’s $1.8 Trillion IPO Could Trigger Investor Concerns Despite Massive Valuation

by Nitin Konde on June 12, 2026 at 6:14 am

SpaceX is set to launch a historic IPO with a $1.8 tn valuation. Explore investor concerns, Nasdaq rule changes, valuation risks, and more

Government Removes Excise Duty on Ethanol-Blended Petrol Variants, Promoting Cleaner Mobility

by Nitin Konde on June 11, 2026 at 2:21 pm

India has removed excise duty on petrol blended with up to 30% ethanol, supporting biofuel adoption, energy security & reduced crude oil imports.

Daily Indian Funding Roundup & Key News – 11 June 2026: Ethereal Machines Bags ₹272 Cr, 4baseCare Closes ₹128 Cr Series B, Fidelity Sells Meesho Stake

by Muskaan Kapoor on June 11, 2026 at 12:11 pm

Ethereal Machines raises ₹272 crore in its Series B, while 4baseCare closes its Series B at ₹128 crore. Fidelity also offloads Meesho shares worth ₹988 crore.

Government bars industrial, commercial consumers from purchasing petrol, diesel from retail outlets

on June 12, 2026 at 12:09 pm

Additionally, the order also asks retail outlets for not dispensing more than 200 litres of diesel in a day to either a consumer or a vehicle

Higher ethanol blended petrol between 22-30% exempted from central excise duty

on June 11, 2026 at 5:31 pm

In other words, petrol blended with ethanol, at 22%, 25%, 27% and 30% would be exempt from central excise duties

India’s economic growth rate to weaken at 6.6% in FY27 on slower investments, consumption: BMI

on June 11, 2026 at 8:13 am

Business Monitor International’s projection is in line with Reserve Bank of India’s 6.6% growth estimates for FY27

Stocks drop, oil rises as Iran and rate worries dog traders

on June 11, 2026 at 3:07 am

Oil prices jumped as much as 2% on Thursday (June 11, 2026), extending similar gains the day before

The reality behind falling net FDI

on June 10, 2026 at 6:00 pm

India’s net FDI has declined sharply despite strong gross inflows, underlining the impact of disinvestment/capital repatriation; an understanding of these trends requires looking beyond aggregate inflow, outflow figures; investor classes, modes of entry, and exit strategies can have important implications for technology transfer, industrial development, and external sustainability

AM Green, V.O.C Port Authority to develop 200ktpa green ammonia bunkering hub

on June 12, 2026 at 4:06 pm

The bunkering hub may be scaled up to 500ktpa by 2035, worth a total investment of ₹5,000 crore.

You can now search property listings through ChatGPT as Housing.com integrates AI

on June 12, 2026 at 2:13 pm

Housing.com has launched a native property search feature on ChatGPT, enabling users to discover residential listings through natural-language queries. Details here.

Jeff Bezos-backed AI startup Prometheus hits $41 billion valuation after $12 billion funding round; details here

on June 12, 2026 at 2:04 pm

Prometheus raised $12 billion from a heavyweight syndicate of investors, including JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs Group, BlackRock and Bezos himself.

Meesho Makes a ₹202-crore bet on India’s kirana ecosystem

on June 12, 2026 at 1:00 pm

The e-commerce major breaking away from its organic-growth playbook to acquire Singapore-incorporated Kirana Club and unlock a huge network of small-town retailers.

Singapore court stays order to jail Byju’s Founder, lawyer says

on June 12, 2026 at 11:12 am

Singapore’s high court has granted a stay on a six-month jail term for the founder of failed Indian technology firm Byju’s, his law firm Lazareff Le Bars said.

Tata Motors to hike car prices by up to 1.5 percent

by Autocar India on June 12, 2026 at 1:33 pm

Tata Motors has announced it will increase prices of its ICE and EV models by up to 1.5 percent from July 1, 2026. With this, the carmaker aims to “partially offset the impact of rising input costs and sustained inflationary pressures”. Tata said it continues to absorb a significant portion of these costs, and the extent of the hike will “vary across models and variants”.Price hike due to rising input costs and sustained inflationary pressures Up to Rs 43,485 increase likely, depending on the model and variantTata price hike in July 2026Tata has not yet revealed model-specific information on revised prices, but they could increase by up to Rs 43,485, depending on the vehicle and variant. For reference, below is a price list of the 14 Tata models as of June 12.  Tata cars price list in June 2026ModelPrice Range (In Rs lakh)Altroz6.30-10.76Curvv9.70-18.90Curvv EV16.99-19.19Harrier 12.89-25.84Harrier EV21.49-28.99Nexon7.37-14.02Nexon EV12.49-17.29Punch5.65-10.60Punch EV9.69-12.59Safari 13.29-26.40Tiago4.70-8.55Tiago EV6.99-9.99Tigor 5.55-8.84Tigor EV12.49-13.75While Tata is increasing prices for its ICE cars for a second time this year – following a 0.5 percent hike in April – it is doing so for its EV portfolio for the first time. Other carmakers such as Hyundai and Maruti Suzuki have also raised prices citing the same reasons.

Maruti Grand Vitara and Invicto get offers of up to Rs 2.15 lakh in June 2026

by Autocar India on June 12, 2026 at 11:10 am

Like last month, Maruti Suzuki is offering discounts and benefits across its Nexa line-up in June 2026. These include cash discounts, exchange/scrappage bonuses and corporate offers, depending on the model and variant. Do note that exchange and scrappage benefits cannot be used together. The upgrade loyalty bonus is available only to existing Maruti Suzuki customers and can be combined only with the exchange bonus. Corporate benefits are available only to eligible organisations and approved finance partners. Complimentary 5-year extended warranty benefits are non-transferable and cannot be exchanged for cash. Offers may also vary depending on dealership stock, registration state and the vehicle’s manufacturing month, and finance, insurance and accessory deals can differ from one dealer to another.Disclaimer: Discounts may vary from city to city and are subject to stock availability. Please check with your local dealer for the exact figures.Maruti Invicto discounts in June 2026Up to Rs 2.15 lakhEach variant of the Maruti Invicto gets benefits of up to Rs 2.15 lakh this month. The offer includes a cash discount of up to Rs 50,000, exchange benefits of up to Rs 1 lakh, a Rs 50,000 loyalty bonus and a Rs 15,000 corporate benefit. The Invicto is Maruti’s badge-engineered version of the Toyota Innova Hycross and is priced between Rs 24.97 lakh and Rs 28.70 lakh.Maruti Grand Vitara discounts in June 2026Up to Rs 1.35 lakhThe base Sigma manual variant of the Maruti Grand Vitara is available with benefits of up to Rs 1.35 lakh. This includes a Rs 35,000 consumer offer, Rs 40,000 dealer offer, Rs 30,000 exchange bonus, Rs 20,000 loyalty benefit and Rs 10,000 corporate benefit. Delta petrol manual and automatic variants get slightly lower benefits of up to Rs 1.25 lakh.Strong-hybrid variants get discounts of up to Rs 90,000. Zeta and Alpha manual and automatic variants, along with AWD versions, get benefits of up to Rs 85,000, plus a complimentary 5-year extended warranty. Delta and CNG variants get up to Rs 70,000 off. The Grand Vitara is priced between Rs 10.77 lakh and Rs 19.72 lakh.Maruti Ignis discounts in June 2026Up to Rs 35,000The production of the Maruti Ignis has been stopped, but remaining stock is still on sale with discounts. AMT variants get benefits of up to Rs 35,000, including a Rs 5,000 consumer offer and Rs 30,000 scrappage benefit. Manual variants get a scrappage benefit of up to Rs 30,000. The Ignis is priced between Rs 5.35 lakh and Rs 7.55 lakh.Maruti Jimny discounts in June 2026Up to Rs 45,000The carmaker is offering a direct cash discount of up to Rs 45,000 on all Maruti Jimny variants. The compact off-roader is priced between Rs 12.32 lakh and Rs 14.45 lakh.Maruti XL6 discounts in June 2026Up to Rs 45,000Next, the Maruti XL6 gets benefits of up to Rs 45,000 on both petrol and CNG variants. This includes a cash discount of up to Rs 20,000 and a scrappage bonus of up to Rs 25,000. The XL6 is the 6-seat, more premium version of the Ertiga and is priced between Rs 11.52 lakh and Rs 14.48 lakh.Maruti Baleno discounts in June 2026Up to Rs 40,000The Maruti Baleno, the carmaker’s answer to the Tata Altroz and Hyundai i20, gets offers of up to Rs 40,000. The biggest benefits are on petrol variants, with a Rs 15,000 consumer offer and Rs 25,000 scrappage bonus. Baleno CNG variants get benefits of up to Rs 35,000. Prices for the Baleno range from Rs 5.99 lakh to Rs 9.10 lakh.Maruti Fronx discounts in June 2026Up to Rs 25,000The Maruti Fronx turbo variants get the highest benefits, up to Rs 25,000. This includes a Rs 10,000 cash discount and a Rs 15,000 scrappage bonus. The petrol and CNG variants get benefits of up to Rs 15,000. The Fronx is priced between Rs 6.85 lakh and Rs 11.98 lakh.Ex-showroom prices mentioned above are as on June 12, 2026.

First look at official images of next-gen Hyundai i20

by Autocar India on June 12, 2026 at 11:04 am

We have got our hands on official pictures of the next-generation Hyundai i20 ahead of its global debut in Brazil. Hyundai has been teasing the fourth-generation i20 for the Brazilian market for some time now. These images not only give us a preview of the interior and exterior design but also uncover some key specifications.Gets black cladding on the lower section of the body and connected LED lights Features an all-new dashboard with dual digital screens and touch-enabled AC controls Next-gen Hyundai i20 exterior designFeatures connected LED light bar and dual-pod LED headlightsAt the front, Hyundai has equipped the new-gen i20 with dual-pod pixel-styled LED headlights, a light bar connecting the Y-shaped daytime running lamps (DRLs) and halogen turn indicators. The bonnet looks clean with creases on both sides and a brushed-aluminium Hyundai logo.The bumper has been thoroughly redesigned, too, featuring a honeycomb pattern for the air inlets and a black finish on the lower portion. A silver strip housing a number-plate mount divides it in the centre. Also present is a radar sensor for advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).Rides on 17-inch alloy wheels, a size larger than the current India-spec modelIn profile, the fourth-gen Hyundai i20 features 17-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, which are a size larger than the current India-spec model. Thick black cladding on the wheel arches and lower portion of the doors lends the hatchback a rugged look. The outside rearview mirrors (ORVMs), however, have become sleeker and continue to integrate turn indicators.Interestingly, with fewer creases than the third-gen model, the new i20’s profile looks simpler. The window line also extends to a black kink that replaces the current car’s rear quarter glass.  Gets connected LED tail-lights and an all-black rear bumperLike the front DRLs, the C-shaped LED tail-lights are also connected by a slim light bar. A distinct protrusion on the tailgate gives the fourth-generation i20 a sharp look. The hatchback also gets a black shark-fin antenna, a wiper, a washer and a defogger at the rear. The black bumper has a reflector on both sides and a faux silver diffuser that adds contrast.While the dimensions of the fourth-gen i20 are yet to be revealed, it is likely to be larger than its predecessor. The boot space has been revealed to be 346 litres, which is 35 litres more than the current India-spec model.Next-gen Hyundai i20 interior designGets dual integrated curved screens, a new steering wheel and a fresh AC control panelThe fourth-generation Hyundai i20 has a dual-tone cabin, with the dashboard featuring a curved panoramic panel that integrates a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display and a larger touchscreen infotainment system (expected to be 12.3 inches). It also gets a new 3-spoke steering wheel with Hyundai’s illuminated Morse code ‘H’ logo and paddleshifters. The centre console houses a vertically oriented AC control panel with touch-enabled buttons and a dedicated rotary knob for fan speed, and it is flanked by vertical air vents.The seats have semi-leatherette upholstery with small ‘i20’ inscriptions on the backrest. Front passengers get a centre armrest that opens up to a small storage space. The rear bench can be split 60:40 and gets adjustable headrests and 3-point seatbelts for all three passengers, but it lacks a centre armrest. The door panels have distinct vertical lines, a silver finish on the speaker grille and retro-looking handles.Notably, a sunroof is not visible on the Brazil-spec new-gen i20, whereas the model currently available in India gets one.Next-gen Hyundai i20 powertrain optionsExpected to continue with the same engine as the current India-spec i20While the powertrain specifications are yet to be revealed, the i20 is expected to continue with the 84hp 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol and the 120hp 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine options; the latter is available in a 100hp state of tune in some markets. Hyundai is also developing a new 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine, and it will be interesting to see whether the Korean carmaker offers it with the fourth-generation i20.For the Brazilian market, Hyundai will sell the fourth-generation i20 in five trims: Comfort, Limited, X Line, Platinum and Ultimate. Its India launch is yet to be confirmed.

Excise Duty Waiver on E22-E30 sparks speculation over E25 as default blend

by Autocar India on June 12, 2026 at 10:34 am

The Union Ministry of Finance has waived central excise duty on petrol blended with 22 percent, 25 percent, 27 percent and 30 percent ethanol. The move places E22, E25, E27 and E30 fuels on par with E20 petrol, which already attracts an excise exemption.The notification comes shortly after the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) issued fuel-quality specifications for these higher ethanol blends, marking another step towards fuels with ethanol content beyond E20.Excise duty waived on E22, E25, E27 and E30 petrol blendsBIS has already notified fuel standards for higher ethanol blendsE25 could create demand for an additional 300 crore litres of ethanolWhat exactly has changed?Until now, India’s ethanol-blending programme has largely centred around E20 petrol, which the government established as its primary blending target. With the latest notification, the excise-duty exemption has been extended to E22, E25, E27 and E30 fuels, removing a central tax hurdle for future higher-blend fuels.Industry executives view the Finance Ministry’s notification as a complement to the BIS standards already issued for these fuels. Together, the two developments provide both the regulatory and fiscal framework required for higher ethanol blends.People involved in discussions with government officials say the next logical step will be the formal announcement of a new base ethanol-blending level, with E25 emerging as the most discussed candidate. Under this scenario, E20 would continue for a period as the operative mainstream blend, while E25 is phased in and E20 is either retained in parallel or eventually phased out, depending on vehicle compatibility, supply dynamics and infrastructure readiness.Higher blends not coming immediatelyThe excise waiver does not mean E22-E30 fuels will start appearing at fuel stations in the near term. Before that can happen, automakers, fuel retailers and regulators will need to complete a series of validation and approval processes.Industry sources estimate that testing and validation for higher ethanol blends could take between three and six months under normal circumstances. This includes engine and component testing, durability assessments and real-world evaluation to ensure vehicle performance, reliability and emissions compliance are not affected.However, some sources also suggest that in an extreme scenario, such as a renewed flare-up in West Asian conflicts that constrains crude oil flows, the Centre could invoke its special powers to fast-track or even partially bypass standard validation timelines to secure domestic fuel availability.Oil marketing companies will also need to assess storage, distribution and dispensing requirements if multiple ethanol-blend grades are to be offered simultaneously.Ethanol producers see scope for higher demandThe excise waiver has been welcomed by ethanol producers, who stand to benefit from any increase in blending levels beyond E20. Industry representatives say India’s current ethanol production capacity already exceeds demand under the existing programme, leaving room for additional consumption.The All India Distillers’ Association (AIDA) said the move could help utilise surplus production capacity, while Indian Sugar & Bio-Energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) estimates that E22 could create demand for an additional 120 crore litres of ethanol and E25 around 300 crore litres. The industry body has also called for wider adoption of flex-fuel vehicles to support higher ethanol blends.What it means for automakersFor vehicle manufacturers, the development is another indication that India’s fuel roadmap is likely to continue moving towards higher ethanol content. The timing of any future transition will influence engine calibration, material compatibility and certification requirements across model line-ups.The move is also likely to be watched closely by automakers, who have only recently completed the transition to E20-compatible vehicles after the government’s decision to advance the E20 target to 2025-26. Unlike E20, there is currently no industry-wide mandate or vehicle compatibility framework in place for higher ethanol blends such as E25.For now, the excise waiver does not change what fuel consumers can buy. However, it removes a key fiscal hurdle for higher ethanol blends and strengthens the framework required for any future move beyond E20.

Citroen Aircross gets benefits of up to Rs 1.4 lakh in June 2026

by Autocar India on June 12, 2026 at 7:36 am

Citroen India has rolled out attractive offers on most models in its line-up. Depending on the model and variant chosen, consumers can avail up to Rs 1.4 lakh in benefits, valid until June 30, 2026. Disclaimer: Offers/benefits may vary by city and are subject to stock availability. Buyers are advised to check with their local dealer for exact figures.Citroen Basalt offers in June 2026Benefits of up to Rs 1.4 lakh The Basalt coupe-SUV, available with benefits of up to Rs 1.4 lakh this month, is powered by an 82hp, 115Nm 1.2-litre naturally aspirated (NA) petrol engine or a 110hp, 190Nm 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine. The NA mill gets a 5-speed manual transmission, while the turbo-petrol unit comes mated to a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic. With the latter gearbox, the turbo-petrol engine delivers more torque at 205Nm. With a price range of Rs 8.55 lakh to Rs 13.75 lakh, the Basalt is the most affordable mass-market coupe-SUV in India. It rivals the likes of the Tata Curvv, MG Astor, Volkswagen Taigun, Kia Seltos, Tata Sierra, Renault Duster and Honda Elevate. Citroen Aircross offers in June 2026Benefits of up to Rs 1.4 lakh Even the Aircross comes with benefits of up to Rs 1.4 lakh. The more traditional-looking SUV shares its engine and gearbox options with the Basalt. It is the only 7-seater midsize SUV in the segment and can also be configured as a 5-seater. Priced from Rs 8.89 lakh to Rs 13.99 lakh, the Aircross has the same rivals as the Basalt and even goes up against SUVs such as the Skoda Kushaq, Hyundai Creta, Toyota Hyryder, Maruti Grand Vitara and Victoris.Citroen C3 offers in June 2026Benefits of up to Rs 1.1 lakh Citroen’s most affordable model, the C3 crossover, is available with benefits of up to Rs 1.1 lakh. It has the same engine and gearbox configurations as Basalt and Aircross. Priced from Rs 4.99 lakh to Rs 9.60 lakh, the C3 is Citroen’s answer to the likes of the Tata Punch, Toyota Taisor, Maruti Fronx, Nissan Magnite and Renault Kiger.All prices are ex-showroom, India.

From soaps to refrigerators, GST cuts promise to supercharge India’s consumption story

on September 5, 2025 at 1:15 am

As families save on groceries and essentials, FMCG, D2C, and appliance makers expect a demand revival this festive season with the GST reforms.

Meet the biotech startups charting the future of lab-grown meat and dairy proteins

on August 23, 2025 at 1:30 am

The rise of cellular agriculture in India is redefining the future of food. From cultivated chicken and fish to precision-fermented dairy proteins, startups are innovating ethical, sustainable, and climate-friendly alternatives to conventional farming.

Scale or sale: D2C brands feel the FMCG pull as consolidation in the sector grows

on January 17, 2025 at 5:53 am

Minimalist and Wow Skin Science are among the latest digital-first brands either seeking or having already been acquired by traditional FMCG companies aiming to expand their portfolios with niche, youth-focused brands.

Inflation continues to hit FMCG industry, urban growth expected to slow in H1/2025: Kantar report

on December 24, 2024 at 9:20 am

The FMCG volume growth was lower sequentially also as in the May-July period, this was 4.5%, according to Kantar’s latest FMCG Pulse report.

Now Get the “Taste of India” in the US: Amul’s Expansion in American FMCG

on April 13, 2024 at 11:08 pm

Amul Doodh Piyega Ab America! Amul partners with a legacy diary to promote and distribute “Fresh Milk” in the U.S. Uncover this expansion here.

SAP to deploy 200 AI agents this year

on June 12, 2026 at 2:32 pm

Agentic AI returns in India projected to grow fivefold to $14.4: SAP Study

Bengaluru space startups among three selected for funding under Technology Adoption Fund

on June 12, 2026 at 12:54 pm

The Technology Adoption Fund is designed to support Indian industry in absorbing, adapting, and commercialising advanced space technologies, thereby bridging the gap between research and operational deployment

Government bars industrial, commercial consumers from purchasing petrol, diesel from retail outlets

on June 12, 2026 at 12:09 pm

Additionally, the order also asks retail outlets for not dispensing more than 200 litres of diesel in a day to either a consumer or a vehicle

Sensex jumps 1,695 points, Nifty rises 2% propelled by global rally as U.S. ends war with Iran

on June 12, 2026 at 11:28 am

From the 30-Sensex firms, Bajaj Finance, Larsen & Toubro, InterGlobe Aviation, Titan, Eternal and HDFC Bank were among the biggest winners

Rupee surges 77 paise to settle at 95.08 against U.S. dollar

on June 12, 2026 at 11:05 am

A firm trend in domestic equity markets and a weaker American currency also supported the rupee during the day, forex traders said