Bengaluru-based space tech startup Pixxel has secured a major contract with NASA, becoming the first Indian company to be part of NASA’s $476 million Commercial SmallSat Data Acquisition Program. The contract, valid until November 2028, involves Pixxel supplying hyperspectral earth observation data to NASA, the US government, and academic partners. This data will aid research on climate change, agriculture, and resource management. Co-founder Awais Ahmed called the deal “a monumental achievement,” highlighting its potential to advance space-based environmental monitoring. Pixxel plans to launch its Fireflies satellite constellation to provide high-resolution hyperspectral imaging.

Emami Ltd. has acquired The Man Company, a premium men's grooming brand, for ₹400 crores. Actor Ayushmann Khurrana, an angel investor in the company, has earned a 400% return on his investment made six years ago. The acquisition marks a significant milestone in India's growing male grooming market. Khurrana's investment has paid off substantially, demonstrating his savvy business move. The deal underscores the increasing importance of the men's grooming sector in India, with Emami Ltd. expanding its presence in the market.

The Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) Sensex plummeted 1,070.69 points to 81,130.47, while the National Stock Exchange (NSE) Nifty50 fell 314.10 points to 24,831. The market capitalization of BSE-listed companies lost approximately Rs 5 lakh crore. The decline is attributed to investor caution ahead of US jobs data, which may influence global interest rates. The broader market indices, including small and midcap stocks, also experienced significant losses, with volatility rising over 8%. The downturn marks a significant shift in market sentiment, with investors awaiting key economic indicators. 

Vistara will cease operations on November 12, 2024, following its merger with Air India. This comes after Singapore Airlines received clearance to hold a 25.1% stake in the newly merged entity. Vistara's last flight is scheduled for November 11, 2024. Bookings for flights beyond this date will shift to Air India’s website starting September 3. Vistara’s loyalty program, Club Vistara, will merge with Air India’s Flying Returns. The aircraft, crew, and routes will gradually transition under the Air India brand, though service changes are anticipated during the rebranding process.

Vistara will cease operations on November 11, 2024, as it merges with Tata group’s Air India. Bookings for Vistara flights on or after November 12 will be redirected to Air India, and all Vistara aircraft will be operated by Air India. The merger follows the Indian government’s approval of Singapore Airlines' ₹2,059 crore investment in Air India, which now holds 25.1% stake in the merged airline. This consolidation is part of Air India’s transformation program, Vihaan.AI, aiming to create a globally competitive airline with both full-service and low-cost operations.

Kaivalya Vohra, co-founder of Zepto, is the youngest person on Hurun's list of India's richest, with a net worth of ₹3,600 crore at age 21. His co-founder, Aadit Palicha, 22, is the second youngest on the list. Both Vohra and Palicha dropped out of Stanford University’s computer science program to start Zepto in 2021. The company was launched to meet the increased demand for quick, contactless delivery during the Covid-19 pandemic. Zepto operates in India's competitive grocery delivery market, where it competes against major players such as Amazon India, Swiggy Instamart, Blinkit, and Tata Group's BigBasket.

The Indian government has approved a $276 million investment by Singapore Airlines in Air India, clearing the final hurdle for the merger with Vistara. The deal, expected to be completed by year-end, will combine the planes, staff, and routes of both airlines, with Singapore Airlines holding a 25.1% stake in the enlarged Air India Group. This investment is part of Air India's restructuring efforts, and marks a significant step towards creating a stronger, more competitive airline group in the Indian aviation sector. The Tata Group, joint owner of Vistara, will also benefit from the merger.

Indian shares hit record highs on Friday, with the NSE Nifty 50 reaching 25,257 and the S&P BSE Sensex climbing to 82,637, both marking all-time peaks. The surge was supported by strong regional market performance and positive U.S. economic data that eased growth concerns. The Nifty index extended its winning streak to 11 sessions, the longest in nearly 17 years, fueled by expectations of a U.S. interest rate cut in September. Domestic institutional investors (DII) bought $6.14 billion worth of shares in August, offsetting foreign portfolio investor outflows. Asian markets also gained, with MSCI's broadest Asia-Pacific index rising 0.7% following Wall Street's rally.

India's competition watchdog has provisionally approved an $8.5bn merger between Disney and Reliance Industries, creating the country's largest entertainment company. The venture, led by billionaire Mukesh Ambani, will hold the majority of broadcasting rights for key sports events, including cricket. The deal, which is expected to be finalized in six months, will be chaired by Nita Ambani. Concerns about control over cricket broadcasting were addressed, with the companies pledging not to raise advertising rates excessively. The merger will also give them rights to other major events like Wimbledon and the English Premier League.

SpiceJet passengers at Dubai airport were denied check-in on Thursday, August 29, 2024, due to unpaid airport dues. The airline, facing financial troubles, operated empty flights out of Dubai. This marks the latest in a series of disruptions, with passengers reportedly encountering similar issues over the past week. SpiceJet is also dealing with delayed salaries for employees, including pilots and cabin crew, leading to demonstrations in Guwahati. Concerns have arisen over the airline's failure to deposit provident funds and tax deductions. Authorities, including the Ministry of Civil Aviation, continue to monitor the situation closely.