Government reduces export tax on gasoline, diesel fuel, and aviation kerosene

Hero MotoCorp is preparing to intensify competition in the 125cc segment by offering various models, including commuter, sport, and sport-commuter motorcycles. The Hero Xtreme 125R model is highly popular among consumers, and the company plans to introduce several changes to it.

The main competitors to this model are the TVS Raider 125, Pulsar 125, and Honda CB 125 Hornet. Previously, TVS increased competition by implementing a TFT display, and then Honda updated its motorcycle with this feature. In response, Bajaj Pulsar 125 is also preparing for an update, prompting Hero not to fall behind.

The company intends to equip its popular sport-commuter model, the Hero Xtreme 125R, with a TFT instrument cluster and, for the first time in this segment, a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Since these features are currently in demand, adding them to the Xtreme 125R is beneficial for Hero.

Previously, the TFT instrument cluster was available on the Hero Xtreme 160R, and now the company plans to offer it on the 125R version as well. Although there is no official confirmation from the company yet, the appearance of the motorcycle with new features has been observed. Currently, this model is equipped with a 4.2-inch LCD display, but the new TFT display will only be available in higher-end variants.

The most expensive variant of the motorcycle is priced at 108,300 rupees, including export duties. The company might add a new top-tier option. The Hero Xtreme 125R already boasts numerous features: split seat, dual disc brakes, dual-channel ABS, full LED lighting, riding modes, a wide 120-spoke wheel, mono-shock absorber, and AG styling.

Furthermore, the company has added Ride by Wire, TPMS, and cruise control functions. With these new capabilities, the motorcycle becomes the best product in its segment. Besides the new features, no other changes are expected. The motorcycle is powered by a 125cc engine that produces 11.4 hp and 10.5 Nm of torque. It comes with a 5-speed gearbox and features RSU telescopic front suspension and a rear mono-shock absorber.

Regarding pricing, the company may introduce a new top-tier variant that includes features such as the TFT display and TPMS. Currently, the starting price of this motorcycle is 91,500 rupees, including export duties.

India Inc welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address on Independence Day, stating its readiness to collaborate with the government to turn his statements into actionable programs aimed at stimulating investment, creating jobs, innovation, and manufacturing.

Chandradjit Banerjee, CEO of CII, noted that the celebration of 80 years of Independence underscores that people, sustainable development, and the country's global strengths are at the heart of India's development process. He stated that the calls for the concepts of Atmanirbhar Bharat, Make in India, and Vocal for Local reflect growing confidence in building a self-reliant and future-ready nation, which has transformed from being among the 'Fragile Five' to one of the world's fastest-growing major economies in just a decade.

Banerjee emphasized that the industry is ready to match the Prime Minister's resolve by ensuring continuous investment in strategically important areas. Agriculture and food processing were highlighted as significant opportunities: through expanded market access via Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), agricultural produce needs to be brought to global markets, creating global brands around commodities such as barley, spices, fruits, and flowers. This, according to the CII CEO, can open new opportunities for farmers and rural enterprises while strengthening India's position in global value chains.

Furthermore, Banerjee pointed out that the Prime Minister's focus on nuclear energy, semiconductors, as well as green and blue economies, indicates India's growth drivers in the next decade, and the recognition of the country's soft power adds a new dimension to its global economic presence.

In his 75-minute speech celebrating the country's 80th anniversary, Prime Minister Modi outlined seven directions (sapta dharas) to propel India forward and achieve new heights: manufacturing, energy, agriculture and food processing, technology and innovation, gatishakti, defense industry, green and blue economy, and soft power.

The Prime Minister called for the development of strong and active civil defense infrastructure and advocated for India to become a global hub for defense production, placing particular emphasis on self-sufficiency in advanced capabilities such as hypersonic technologies and drone systems. He also promised to provide free online training for various exams, expressing regret that preparation courses have become a burden for the poor and middle class.

Modi strongly urged Indians to dream big to achieve the goal of a developed India by 2047, stating that the world will be forced to view the country differently while they work towards realizing this dream. He noted that India needs to strengthen its internal potential in critical sectors, including minerals and energy, as geopolitical tensions increasingly expose the risks of dependence on external sources.

Modi also reported that India has taken a step towards self-reliance in the nuclear energy sector, as the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) in Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, reached criticality this year. Nirmal Kumar Minda, President of Assocham, noted that the 'Sapta Dhara' structure provides a broad approach to inclusive, sustainable, and accelerated development. He added that the emphasis on self-reliance, Vocal for Local, domestic production, and strategic capabilities is crucial for strengthening India's economic resilience, and the Prime Minister's vision on Independence Day instills strong confidence in Indian industry and the wider business community.

Patanjali Foods Ltd announced a significant increase in its consolidated net profit by 86%, reaching 335.73 crore rupees for the quarter ending in June. This growth was driven by an increase in the company's total revenue.

According to regulatory filings, the company's total revenue grew by 29% to 11,341.89 crore rupees in the first quarter of the current fiscal year, compared to 8,779 crore rupees in the same period last year.

Revenues were distributed across segments: the edible oil manufacturing business generated 8,504 crore rupees from April to June 2026-27 fiscal year, while the FMCG vertical contributed 2,937.74 crore rupees to the total revenue.

Patanjali Foods Limited, established in 1986, is one of the leading companies in the country involved in edible oil production. The company's operations cover the edible oil, FMCG, and wind energy generation segments. Products are sold under various brands, including Patanjali, Ruchi Gold, Nutrela, Dant Kanti, Mahakosh, and Sunrich.

Looking at previous financial periods, in the 2025-26 fiscal year, the company's net profit rose to 1,814.47 crore rupees compared to 1,300.70 crore rupees the year before. Furthermore, total revenue in the last fiscal year reached 40,347.78 crore rupees, up from 33,890.68 crore rupees in the 2024-25 fiscal year.