—
**🏦 Economy**
• GST Council may revise slabs: 40% tax on luxury goods, 5% on essentials under consideration as a “Diwali gift”.
• Despite global central bank rate cuts, bond yields are rising in France, Japan, Germany, Canada, US & UK — signaling market caution.
—
**📊 Markets**
• Gold hits record highs as global central banks boost reserves.
• INR trades at record lows against the USD, raising import cost pressures.
—
**🏢 Companies**
• TVS Motors leads e2W sales in August; Bajaj Auto sees decline.
• Ashok Leyland to invest ₹5,000 cr with China’s CALB Group in EV battery manufacturing.
• Car sales remain in the slow lane for the fourth consecutive month.
• Merck & Tata Electronics sign MoU to strengthen semiconductor ecosystem in India.
—
**📢 Policy / Regulation**
• Govt preparing next phase of India Semicon Mission, including DLI scheme upgrades.
• PM Modi highlights semiconductor self-reliance push as India unveils its first “Made in India” chip.