Deep Dive: Beyond The Headlines

India's economy is sending conflicting signals. New project announcements have slowed and factory investment has fallen for the first time since the pandemic, even as GST collections accelerate and petrol and diesel consumption rises. This BS Deep Dive uses four indicators to examine what the latest data says about investment, demand and the economy's underlying momentum.

Indian markets enter H2FY27 after a turbulent first half marked by heavy foreign selling, weak benchmark returns, a falling rupee and sharp sectoral divergence—even as the IPO market remained remarkably resilient. This BS Deep Dive examines what lies ahead for equities, foreign flows, bonds, currencies, commodities and the primary market.

India's dominant stock exchange has finally become a listed company, completing a ₹22,562 crore IPO with a surprisingly quiet market debut. But NSE's ₹4.45 trillion valuation, commanding market position and the arrival of a new listed exchange play raise bigger questions for investors. This BS Deep Dive examines the listing, valuations, investor appetite, competition with BSE and what comes next for NSE.

Tata Sons and its controlling shareholder Tata Trusts are at odds over decisions that could reshape the group—from a potential listing and N Chandrasekaran's future to the treatment of the SP Group's stake. This BS Deep Dive examines the widening governance divide, the legal questions it raises, and where power ultimately resides within the Tata structure.

After years of waiting, NSE's IPO has finally opened for subscription, backed by strong institutional demand and the exchange's commanding position in Indian markets. But the issue comes with a hefty valuation and is entirely an offer for sale. This BS Deep Dive examines NSE's strengths and risks, its valuation against global peers and BSE, and what investors should consider before bidding.

UPI's zero-MDR era is set for a significant change, with a 0.4 per cent charge on merchant payments of ₹2,000 and above from October 15. But businesses are divided and merchants show little appetite for absorbing the cost. This BS Deep Dive examines who will pay, how businesses may respond, and what the change means for the next phase of India's dominant digital payments system.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is advancing rapidly, but leaders of some of the leading AI firms are now calling for slowing frontier-model development amid concerns over superalignment and recent AI-driven cyber incidents. Businesses, meanwhile, are strengthening guard rails around deployment. In this edition of BS Deep Dive, Business Standard examines whether AI safety measures can keep pace with the race to build increasingly powerful systems.

As India hosts the 2026 Brics Summit, an expanded grouping faces demands to translate its growing global weight into tangible results. From trade, investment and energy security to supply chains, sustainable aviation fuel and future skills, this BS Deep Dive examines what members want from Delhi—and how geopolitics could shape what the summit actually delivers.

Apple has pushed the iPhone further upmarket in India, unveiling its first foldable at ₹2.99 lakh, upgrading the Pro line and raising prices on several older models. This BS Deep Dive examines Apple's new devices, what makes the iPhone Duo different, and whether its premium pricing strategy can lift revenue even if it comes at the expense of volumes.

Bitcoin has surged 24 per cent in a month, while gold and commodities remain firmly on investors' radar. But can these trades keep delivering as the US interest-rate outlook changes? This BS Deep Dive examines the outlook for crypto, gold and metals, how they stack up against equities, and where investors should look for opportunities and risks.

India's economy grew a stronger-than-expected 7.8 per cent in Q1FY27 despite global disruptions, powered by investment and robust GVA expansion. But consumption lost momentum and El Niño poses fresh risks to food inflation and farm output. This BS Deep Dive looks beneath the headline GDP number to assess what's driving growth—and whether the momentum can last.

After steering HDFC Bank through regulatory setbacks and its transformational merger with HDFC, Sashidhar Jagdishan is preparing to make way for a successor. This BS Deep Dive examines his tenure and legacy, the race to lead India's largest private-sector bank, the clean-up ahead of the transition, and what leadership uncertainty means for investors.

India's IPO market has roared back to life, with July and August accounting for the bulk of fundraising so far in 2026 and most new listings trading above their offer prices. With hundreds more companies lining up to list, this BS Deep Dive examines what's driving the rush, whether the momentum can last, and the risks investors should watch.

India has built scale in electronics and other manufacturing sectors, but much of the value still comes from imported components, materials and technology. As policy shifts from final assembly towards deeper localisation, this BS Deep Dive examines what India actually makes at home, where import dependence persists, and whether domestic suppliers can become globally competitive without permanent protection.