URBAN INDIA HOUSEHOLD BUDGET
Destination wedding vs local wedding: Banker breaks down the shocking cost of destination weddings in India
Destination weddings in India, particularly in Jaipur, can cost between Rs 75 lakh and Rs 5 crore. A typical Jaipur wedding for 200 guests averages Rs 1.2 to Rs 1.5 crore, covering accommodation, food, decor, and more. Hosting a local wedding can accommodate nearly 600 guests for the same budget, saving on travel and lodging expenses.
Urban Company GMP doubles since IPO announcement despite some concerns. What's driving the buzz?
Urban Company's IPO is generating significant buzz, reflected in a soaring grey market premium indicating potential listing gains. Despite seemingly high valuations, investors are drawn to the company's strong financials, brand recognition, and the growth potential of the underpenetrated home services market. The IPO opens on September 10, presenting an opportunity for long-term investors.
Urban Company IPO opens September 10; investors eye valuations amid 27% GMP. Check all details here
Urban Company’s Rs 1,900 crore IPO opens for subscription on September 10, with a three-day window closing on September 12. The issue comprises a fresh issue of Rs 472 crore and an offer-for-sale of Rs 1,428 crore, priced at Rs 98–103 per share. Grey market interest is strong, trading at a 26.7% premium over the upper price band.
Nominal GDP growth may miss FY26 target on soft inflation: CEA V Anantha Nageswaran
Chief Economic Advisor V Anantha Nageswaran anticipates a potential shortfall in nominal GDP growth compared to the budgeted 10.1% due to benign inflation. However, he remains optimistic about achieving the real GDP growth target of 6.3-6.8% despite US tariffs. GST reforms, expected good harvest, and direct tax relief should boost consumption.
Before viksit-ing India, save our cities
Recent heavy rains caused severe flooding in Delhi-NCR, particularly Gurgaon. This exposed the area's infrastructure problems. Poor planning and construction are major issues. The government is seeking feedback on infrastructure development. Coordinated urban planning is needed along national highways. Plans must be foolproof and implemented with quality. This is to prevent future breakdowns.
Urban households choosing ecommerce for festive buying may rise 115% in 2025: Report
A LocalCircles report says more urban Indian households will shop online this festive season, with a 115% rise in digital spending. Lower GST on goods like electronics is boosting sentiment. Though offline shopping remains popular, convenience, variety, and better return policies are driving strong growth in ecommerce purchases.
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Urban Company IPO: Do valuations give investors any room for listing gains?
Urban Company, India’s largest home services platform, is all set to launch its much-awaited IPO next week.
GST reductions to boost cooperatives, farmers, rural enterprises
The Ministry of Cooperation reports that recent GST reforms will strengthen the cooperative sector, enhance product competitiveness, and boost rural entrepreneurship. Rate reductions benefit farming, animal husbandry, and food processing, making essential goods more affordable. Dairy farmers and consumers receive direct relief through exemptions and lowered taxes on related products, promoting sustainable practices and increasing incomes for cooperatives.
Mid-size housing projects set to gain most from GST rationalisation, says Amit Mamgain
The Goods and Services Tax rate change on cement and construction materials may help mid-size housing projects. Amit Mamgain of Yugen Infra says lower taxes will help developers and buyers. Metro cities may see more demand. Affordable housing will not change much. New rates may start after September 22, 2025.
Urban Company IPO risks explained: 12 warnings on operations, regulations and valuation
Urban Company's upcoming IPO, opening September 10, carries inherent risks for investors. The Red Herring Prospectus highlights concerns including sustained losses, intense competition, and high marketing costs. Dependency on gig workers, legal and regulatory challenges, and potential data security breaches also pose threats. Furthermore, reliance on limited service categories and geographic concentration could impact business.
Structural stimulus sets stage for market recovery, says Ajay Bagga
Ajay Bagga sees the government’s tax cuts and liquidity push as a structural stimulus that could drive consumption and support market recovery. While rural demand is strong, he believes urban demand during the upcoming festive season will determine the pace of economic revival.
GST rationalisation progressive step, big booster to India's economic growth: Mukesh Ambani
Mukesh Ambani welcomes the government's GST reforms. He says it will boost India's economic growth. Isha Ambani states Reliance Retail will pass on the benefits to customers. The GST changes aim to make products cheaper and simplify business. Reliance Retail commits to transparently sharing cost reductions with consumers. The company believes this will benefit various stakeholders and strengthen consumer confidence.
AC, TV makers cheer over 10% duty cut ahead of festive season; price drop on the cards
Consumer appliance makers anticipate price reductions on large-screen TVs and room air conditioners following GST rate cuts. Televisions above 32 inches could see prices drop by up to Rs 4,000, while air conditioners may become 7-8% cheaper. This move is expected to boost sales, increase product penetration, and encourage local manufacturing, particularly benefiting air conditioner sales during the festive season.
GST rate cut to spur domestic demand, help build long-term growth: FMCG industry
The Goods and Services Tax Council reduced rates on essential items. This decision aims to revive domestic consumption. It will also stimulate economic momentum before festivals. Fast-moving consumer goods companies will pass on benefits to consumers. They will increase grammage or reduce prices. Analysts expect a price drop and growth in the FMCG sector.
GST 2.0 gets the green light: What gets cheaper and costlier from September 22?
GST Meeting Cheaper, Costlier: The GST Council has approved changes to India's indirect tax structure. Many daily-use goods will become cheaper from September 22. Food items, consumer goods, and renewable energy devices will see reduced tax rates. However, sin goods and luxury items will remain under higher taxation. Coal will be taxed at a higher rate. Restaurants and lottery services face revised rules.
Roti, kapda aur makan: The firepower India's common man got as Diwali gift
GST rates slashed: India's GST revamp, dubbed the 'Great Savings Tax,' is easing the financial burden on the middle class. Reduced rates on essentials like food and clothing could save urban families 7-8% and rural families 5-6% monthly. This, coupled with income tax relief and lower interest rates, aims to boost consumption and savings, potentially transforming India into a middle-class-driven economy.
Trump’s tariff pains, Modi’s GST relief: Govt gives a reform armour to every Indian
India rolls out GST 2.0 reforms to boost domestic consumption and shield the economy from the impact of US tariffs. The revamped GST structure simplifies tax slabs and lowers rates on essential goods and services, putting more money in the hands of households and businesses. Experts say the reforms could give a meaningful lift to GDP, while rising consumer confidence across urban and rural India signals stronger spending ahead.
With GST 2.0, Govt's focus shift from capex oriented spending to consumption-led growth: Report
The government's GST 2.0 rationalization, effective September 22nd, 2025, marks a shift towards consumption-led growth, moving away from capex-focused spending. By reducing GST slabs and targeting tax relief for rural households and the middle class, the initiative aims to boost purchasing power and stimulate demand. Key sectors like consumer durables, building materials, and automobiles are expected to benefit.
Diwali cheer comes early for Indian middle class as Sitharaman announces GST 2.0
Diwali arrives early for the Indian middle class. The GST Council reduces tax slabs to 5% and 18%. Food, essentials, and durables become cheaper. Families save money on various products. Personal care items and smaller cars also see tax cuts. Health insurance becomes exempt from GST. The new rates are effective from September 22, 2025.
GST 2.0 is here: From namkeens to biscuits, your kirana basket just got cheaper
India's GST 2.0 slashes taxes on mass-consumed goods like namkeens and biscuits, aiming to ease household budgets and stimulate demand. This significant indirect tax reset, following income tax cuts, seeks to boost disposable incomes and reinforce consumption-led growth.
Urban Company IPO: Dates, price band and other details
The company was launched as UrbanClap in 2014 by Abhiraj Singh Bhal, Raghav Chandra and Varun Khaitan. Urban Company, adjudged as Startup Of The Year at the ET Startup Awards 2025, is a full-stack home and beauty services platform.
Rs 1,445 crore profit! Facebook's early investor to make 2,600% return in India IPO next week
Accel, one of Facebook’s early investors, is set to reap a 2,600% return in Urban Company’s upcoming Rs 1,900 crore IPO. As per the red herring prospectus (RHP), Accel India holds 14.56 crore shares, a 9.9% fully diluted stake in the tech-enabled home services platform.
Rs 18 lakh cost today, Rs 1.37 crore tomorrow: CA issues warning against hidden enemy of personal finance
Chartered Accountant Nitin Kaushik has cautioned families about the long-term impact of inflation on household finances. Using the example of a business family in Surat, he showed how current annual expenses of Rs 18 lakh could rise to Rs 1.37 crore in 30 years if inflation averages 6 percent. The analysis highlights that inflation alone, without lifestyle changes, can multiply expenses more than sevenfold.
ZEE Entertainment hits 4-year high in TV market share
ZEE Entertainment has achieved a four-year high market share of 18.2% in linear television, reaching 99% of TV households across India. Eight of its channels are leaders in their genres, with Zee TV achieving a three-year high share. Regional markets are driving growth, with Zee Kannada maintaining leadership and Zee Tamil hitting a record high.
Income growth, demographics and awareness push Indians to opt for finances over physical assets: Goldman Sachs
India is witnessing a growing trend of households shifting towards financial assets due to rising incomes and improved financial access, although it lags behind other nations. Goldman Sachs projects household financial savings to increase to 13% of GDP over the next decade, potentially reaching USD 9.5 trillion in inflows.
Affordable housing supply dips as developers focus on luxury projects
A new report reveals a concerning decline in affordable housing supply across India's top cities, with the supply-to-demand ratio plummeting from 1.05 in 2019 to just 0.36 in 2025. Developers are increasingly focused on luxury projects, exacerbating the existing shortage of 9.4 million units.
Amid Trump tariff turmoil, why's the Indian consumer upbeat?
Despite potential economic headwinds from increased US tariffs, India's consumer market is projected to remain strong through 2025 and 2026. Robust household spending is expected, driven by low inflation, rising incomes, and a resilient labor market. Improving consumer confidence across both urban and rural areas further supports this positive outlook, indicating a broad-based and sustainable recovery.
Nearly one in three school students in India now takes private coaching: Govt Survey
A recent survey reveals that nearly one-third of Indian students opt for private coaching, a trend more prevalent in urban areas. While government schools dominate rural education, urban families increasingly favor private schools coupled with supplementary coaching.
RBI launches Consumer Confidence Surveys for Rural and Urban households
The Reserve Bank of India has launched the September 2025 round of its Urban and Rural Consumer Confidence Surveys to gauge households’ views on the economy, jobs, income, prices and spending. Conducted quarterly across 19 cities and 31 states/UTs, the surveys capture current perceptions and one-year-ahead expectations, providing key inputs for RBI’s monetary policy decisions.
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