*Financial News* 
Source: Leading Newspapers
*Compiled by: Rudra Shares* 
Vande Mataram
*Saturday, 18 July 2026*

 *Banking, Finance & Regulation* 
• Macroeconomic fundamentals remain strong, but weak monsoon and geopolitical tensions could impact growth: RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra.
• EPFO launches VISHWAS 2026 to resolve employer penalty disputes.
• Banks seek RBI clarity on collateral-free loans up to ₹20 lakh for small businesses.
• Piramal Finance targets a 25% unsecured loan mix over the next 2–3 years.
• RBI imposes penalties on Muthoot Finance and other entities for compliance violations.
• SEBI extends SWP and STP standing instruction facility to mutual fund units held in demat form.

 *Markets, Stocks & IPOs* 
• MakeMyTrip India files DRHP with SEBI for an IPO through the confidential filing route.
• Zepto IPO: Motilal Oswal and Norges Bank likely to anchor around 40% of the issue.
• Xtranet Technologies to launch its mainboard IPO next week.
• Shree Balaji Mala IPO commands a 27% GMP ahead of its July 22 opening.
• Manipal Hospitals reportedly lowers IPO valuation target to $8.3 billion.
• Precision engineering components maker Indo-MIM IPO to open on July 23; fresh issue size reduced.
• Absolute Projects receives SEBI approval to raise funds through an IPO.
• DIIs were net buyers of equities worth ₹1,018 crore, while FIIs remained net sellers of ₹376 crore on July 17.

*Corporate, Industry & Investments* 
• Centre launches a ₹5,175 crore mine reform incentive scheme.
• Egg prices rise sharply as higher maize and soybean costs increase poultry expenses.
• Sugar prices hit record highs amid supply concerns in India.
• Government proposes mandatory energy efficiency ratings for buildings above 20,000 sq. metres.
• Selective funding slows the pace of startup creation in India.
• RIL posts a strong Q1FY27 led by its oil-to-chemicals business despite volatile energy markets.
• Reliance Industries beats Street estimates as all key businesses deliver double-digit growth.
• Reliance is in talks for additional green ammonia supply agreements following the Samsung contract.

*Technology, Telecom & Digital Economy* 
• Cars24 says AI is becoming its operating system as adoption accelerates across businesses.
• HCLTech inaugurates a Global Technology Center in GIFT City for AI-led solutions.
• Tech Mahindra Chairman Anand Mahindra says AI will enable, not diminish, the IT services industry.
• Jio plans to drive growth through 2G user upgrades and digital services as its 5G subscriber base reaches 285 million.

 *Trade, Economy & Infrastructure* 
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi flags off India's first hydrogen-powered train.
• Government increases duty drawback rates for jewellery exports.
• Tata-owned Air India continues expansion plans despite geopolitical uncertainties and ongoing losses.

 *Politics & Governance* 
• Protests erupt in Jammu & Kashmir's Doda after a man dies in police firing; family demands a CBI probe.
• Centre approaches the Supreme Court against the Delhi High Court order quashing the passport and visa tender.
• PM Modi criticises AAP over drugs and corruption, says BJP alone can transform Punjab.
• PIL seeks implementation of the Women's Reservation Act before the 2029 general elections.
• Suvendu Adhikari attacks Trinamool Congress and the Left, promises an "anti-goonda" law to attract investment.
• Odisha targets recovery of 60,426 acres of land and aims to build a ₹10,000 crore temple corpus.

 *Commodities* 
• Silver Spot: ₹2,15,786
• Gold Spot: ₹1,40,653

*Jai Hind*
*Rudra Hai Toh Mudra Hai*
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