Business Standard Official

The Sebi chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey said the new closing auction session, implemented from August 3, is going to stay, although the regulator is taking suggestions from the industry for any tweaks, if required. “CAS is here to stay for sure, only we will see if there are certain constraints or certain issues that we can improve, certainly we will improve,” said the chairman, on the sidelines of the launch of cyber reporting platforms at the NISM. https://mybs.in/2g8VYYs

UPI: Free or Paid? The Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026, has enabled the removal of the zero-MDR regime for UPI transactions. The debate now centres on what MDR means, who should pay it, how much it should be and its impact on UPI. Watch the 18th episode of #BSDialogue 👇 https://www.business-standard.com/webinars/bs-dialogue/upi-free-or-paid-27?1786950572

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the government would soon constitute a high-level panel on 'Banking for Viksit Bharat'. In this year's Budget, the Finance Minister had proposed a high-level committee on 'Banking for Viksit Bharat', to comprehensively review the sector and align it with India's next phase of growth. Addressing the two-day PSB Confluence here, Sitharaman said, "We expect the announcement of the high-powered committee to look into the banking sector... soon the committee will be announced." She said the committee would give its thoughts and recommendations to the government. https://mybs.in/2g8VYYX

At least seven people were killed, and 14 more were injured on Monday morning after a stampede-like incident happened at the Ashokdham Temple in Bihar’s Lakhisarai district. The incident occurred at 6.30 am amid a heavy rush of devotees at the temple to offer water to Lord Shiva during the month of Shravan. A section of the barricades gave way under the pressure of the crowd, causing people to fall over one another. https://mybs.in/2g8VYSp

Markets With BS | From RIL to Amber Enterprises, here is a list of stocks that will be in focus today. Take a look https://mybs.in/2g8VYRY

Before you dive into the day, take a look at today’s Business Standard front page. http://business-standard.com

Education reform in testing times The 17th episode of BS Dialogue examines the steps being taken and what they will mean for education and employment. Watch here 👇 https://mybs.in/4bjQ

The government will open a one-time window starting August 16, 2026, for small taxpayers to disclose certain undisclosed foreign assets and foreign income, a scheme announced in the Union Budget 2026-27. The CBDT has operationalised the Foreign Assets of Small Taxpayers–Disclosure Scheme, 2026, notified under Chapter IV of the Finance Act, 2026. The disclosure window will remain open till December 31, 2026. Details: https://mybs.in/2g8Ud76

Education reform in testing times The 17th episode of BS Dialogue examines the steps being taken and what they will mean for education and employment. Watch here 👇 https://mybs.in/4bjQ

India @ 80 | Driven by technology and high-yielding seed varieties, India's average foodgrain yield climbed from 522 kg per hectare in 1950-51 to 2,646 kg per hectare in 2025-26. Explore the historical data in Akshita Singh's analysis. Read here: https://mybs.in/2g8UBOA

India @ 80 | In 1950-51, agriculture and allied activities contributed 53.1% to India's GDP. Today, that share has fallen to roughly 15%, as non-farm sectors expanded at a much faster rate. Explore the historical data in Rimjhim Singh's report. Read here: https://mybs.in/2g8UBW2

India At 80 | India’s infant mortality rate dropped by over 85% between 1950 and 2020, while the maternal mortality ratio fell to 101 per 100,000 live births in 2020. Here's a recap of India's 80-year healthcare transformation by Sarjna Rai 👇 Read here: https://mybs.in/2g8UBSD

Book Review | 'Speaking of History: Conversations about India’s Past and Present' by Romila Thapar and Namit Arora Unlike comforting myths, history demands intellectual effort, rigorous inquiry, and a willingness to confront mistakes. Read full review by Amritesh Mukherjee 👇 https://mybs.in/2g8UBe2