FSN E-Commerce, which owns Beauty & Personal Care (BPC) brand Nykaa, is expected to report a strong set of numbers in the December ended quarter, led by robust festive demand, sustained momentum in its BPC segment. Brokerage estimates show the company could deliver up to 192% surge in its Q3FY26 net profit falling in the range of Rs 60 crore to Rs 78 crore. The revenue growth is pegged at 26%-28%, estimates revealed, forecasting the topline in the range of Rs 2,859 crore to Rs 2,902 crore.

The estimates from ElaraCapital, Nuvama Institutional Equities and JM Financial have been taken into account. The margins could take a hit in the October-December quarter.

The company will announce its earnings on Thursday, February 5.

Here’s what estimates say about these four key parameters:

1) PAT

— Elara Capital: Rs 60 crore, up 128% YoY and 88% QoQ
— Nuvama: Rs Rs 64 crore, up 139% YoY and 89% QoQ
— JM Financial: Rs 78 crore, up 192% YoY and 117% QoQ
2) Revenues
— Elara Capital: Rs 2,869 crore, up 27% YoY and 22% QoQ
— Nuvama Institutional Equities: Rs 2,902 crore, up 28% YoY and 24% QoQ
— JM Financial: Rs 2,859 crore, up 26% YoY and 22% QoQ

3) EBITDA
— Elara Capital: Rs 202 crore, up 43% YoY and 27% QoQ
— Nuvama Institutional Equities: Rs 209 crore, up 48% YoY and 31% QoQ
— JM Financial: Rs 215 crore, up 52% YoY and 35% QoQ

4) EBITDA margin

Nuvama has pegged the Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortisation (EBITDA) at 7.2% in Q3FY26, down 100 bps YoY and down 40 bps QoQ. Meanwhile, JM Financial sees margin expansion of 130 bps YoY, indicating sustained operating leverage.

Read more: Tata Motors PV Q3 Preview: JLR hit to weigh on profits; revenue may slip up to 9% despite festive, GST tailwinds

(Disclaimer: The recommendations, suggestions, views, and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times.)

NEW DELHI: India and the United States have struck a trade deal to cut ‍U.S. tariffs on Indian goods to 18% from 50% in exchange for New Delhi halting purchases of Russian oil and lowering trade barriers.

Both ⁠sides have shared the broad outlines of the deal but not the details, with early indications suggesting India will grant the U.S. only limited access to its agricultural market.

WILL INDIA LOWER TARIFFS ON US CORN, SOYBEANS OR SOYMEAL?
India, which bans genetically modified (GM) food crops, is unlikely to ‌lower tariffs on ‌imported farm goods such as corn, soybeans and soymeal as it seeks to protect millions of small farmers who eke out a living on meagre incomes.

The United States ‌primarily produces GM corn and soybeans, limiting the scope for market access in India.

Unlike China, which buys millions of tons of corn and soybeans from the United States, India’s import requirements for both crops are relatively small.

India is holding large stockpiles of corn and soymeal, an animal feed derived from crushing soybeans for soyoil.
While India is the world’s largest importer of soyoil, sourcing supplies mainly from Brazil, Argentina and the United States, its overseas purchases of soybeans remain negligible, including from Africa where non-genetically modified oilseeds are produced. India also has ample supplies of domestically produced ethanol, made ‌from corn, rice ‍and sugarcane, making it unlikely to concede to requests for imports of either ethanol or ‍corn as feedstock for ethanol production.

While the U.S. has pushed for greater access to ‌India’s dairy market, long protected by high import duties and non-tariff barriers, New Delhi is likely to keep the sector off the table given its importance to farmer livelihoods.

The average herd size in India is only two to three animals per farmer, compared to hundreds in the United States – a difference that puts small Indian farmers at a disadvantage, Indian officials have argued.

WHERE ELSE COULD INDIA CEDE GROUND IN AGRICULTURE?
India could agree to lowering tariffs or allowing expanded import quotas on farm products such as almonds, walnuts, pistachios, apples, pears and berries. New Delhi could also lower ‍trade barriers for fruits and vegetables, wine and spirits – the areas that do not tend to hurt Indian farmers.

Since India is already import-dependent for almonds, walnuts, pistachios, apples, pears and berries, it ‍would be easier for ⁠Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata ⁠Party to sell any lowering of import barriers on these premium farm products to voters and other political constituencies.

Similarly, President Donald Trump’s administration can tout access to Indian markets as a major win for American farmers.

WHY AGRICULTURE REMAINS SENSITIVE ISSUE FOR INDIA
Although the farm sector contributes a relatively modest 15% to India’s almost $4 trillion economy, it sustains nearly half the country’s 1.4 billion people.

Nearly 80% of Indian farmers are smallholders, owning two hectares of land or less, which limits their income. But farmers form an influential voting bloc, and successive governments have sought to avoid angering millions of growers.

The Samyukt Kisan Morcha, an umbrella group of farmers’ organisations, and its top leaders including Rakesh Tikait have already taken Modi’s government to task over its trade deal with Washington.

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), which enforces workplace discrimination laws, announced on Wednesday it has demanded company records going back to 2018, including the use of race and ethnicity data, and whether such information influenced executive pay.

New Delhi: As many as 88 per cent of individual taxpayers have moved to the new tax regime and the government is not thinking of bringing in a sunset clause for filing income tax returns under the old regime, CBDT Chairman Ravi Agrawal said on Wednesday.

He said selecting a particular tax regime is the choice of the taxpayers, but the response to the new regime has been “very good”.

“I can tell you that when ITR 1, 2, 3 and 4 are taken together (income tax return forms used by individuals), about 88 per cent of people have moved to the new tax regime.

“And insofar as presumptive tax cases, about 97 per cent of the taxpayers have moved to the new tax regime. For corporates, about 60 per cent of the income is now being reflected in the new tax regime,” Agrawal told PTI during a post-Budget interview.

We believe, he said, with the new MAT (minimum alternate tax) provisions coming in the FY27 Budget, “it will also persuade people to move to the new tax regime”.

MAT, meant only for companies, is calculated at the rate of 15 per cent of book profit and is chargeable only when it is more than the tax on income. The Budget has proposed MAT to be the final tax and has reduced the rate from 15 to 14 per cent for companies in the old regime.
Asked about the hike in STT (securities and transaction tax) proposed in the FY27 budget, the CBDT chief said it is hoped that this will “certainly dissuade retail investors from very aggressively taking up this exercise”. “Only time would tell how much it would curb, but this is an attempt from the department and the government to actually at least address this issue and flag this issue,” he said.

The Budget 2026-27 has proposed an increase in STT on futures contracts to 0.05 per cent from 0.02 per cent. STT on options premium and exercise of options are proposed to be raised to 0.15 per cent from the present rate of 0.1 per cent and 0.125 per cent, respectively.

Agrawal said he was confident about meeting the direct taxes collection target for the 2025-26 fiscal that has been revised to Rs 24.21 lakh crore in the Budget.

The old tax regime refers to the income tax calculation and slabs that existed before the introduction of the new tax regime in 2020. The old tax regime has higher tax rates, but taxpayers get the option to claim various tax deductions and exemptions. In contrast, the new regime offers lower tax rates and allows full exemption for those earning up to Rs 15 lakh a year.

Australia has produced some of the world’s most dominant and inspirational athletes across cricket, tennis, swimming, athletics and more. From record-shattering cricketers to trailblazing Olympians, these figures have not only amassed medals and titles but also shaped national identity and inspired generations.

This list of the 10 greatest Australian athletes of all time, compiled from consensus across rankings by ESPN, Sport Australia Hall of Fame legends, Olympic records, fan polls and expert analyses as of 2026, balances historical impact, statistical dominance, cultural significance and global influence. While debates rage over order — especially between eras and sports — these names consistently top discussions.

1. Sir Donald Bradman (Cricket)

Widely regarded as the greatest batsman in cricket history, Bradman towers over Australian sport. His Test batting average of 99.94 remains unmatched, nearly 40 points above the next best. In an era of uncovered pitches and hostile bowling, he scored 29 centuries in 52 Tests.

Bradman’s feats during the 1930s “Bodyline” series and beyond made him a national hero. The Sport Australia Hall of Fame inducted him first in 1985, and he remains the benchmark for excellence. No other athlete has so profoundly defined a sport for a country.

2. Rod Laver (Tennis)

The only player to achieve the calendar-year Grand Slam twice (1962, 1969), Laver won 11 majors in singles and dominated during tennis’s amateur and early Open era. His versatility on all surfaces and against legends like Roy Emerson cemented his status.

Laver’s “Grand Slam” feats inspired generations, and he is often called the greatest ever by peers. His legacy endures in the Rod Laver Arena at the Australian Open.

3. Ian Thorpe (Swimming)

“The Thorpedo” revolutionized freestyle swimming with five Olympic golds, three silvers and a bronze across Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004. He set 13 individual world records and won 10 Commonwealth golds.

Thorpe’s dominance in the 200m and 400m freestyle, plus his cultural impact as a young star, made him a global icon. ESPN ranked him No. 1 among 21st-century Australian athletes.

4. Dawn Fraser (Swimming)

Fraser became the first swimmer to win the same event — 100m freestyle — at three consecutive Olympics (1956, 1960, 1964). Her four golds and eight total medals highlight her longevity and grit.

A trailblazer for women’s sport, Fraser’s rebellious spirit and records (including breaking her own marks) earned her Legend status in the Hall of Fame.

5. Cathy Freeman (Athletics)

Freeman’s 400m gold at Sydney 2000, carrying the weight of Indigenous reconciliation after lighting the cauldron, remains one of Australia’s most emotional sporting moments. She won world titles in 1997 and 1999.

Her success transcended sport, symbolizing unity and pride for First Nations people. Freeman is celebrated as an Indigenous icon and national treasure.

6. Ash Barty (Tennis)

Barty retired at No. 1 in 2022 after three Grand Slam singles titles (French Open 2019, Wimbledon 2021, Australian Open 2022). She also excelled in doubles and won the WTA Finals.

Her all-court game, humility and Indigenous heritage made her a modern hero. ESPN placed her second among 21st-century Aussies.

7. Margaret Court (Tennis)

Court holds the all-time record with 24 Grand Slam singles titles, plus dominance in doubles and mixed. Her career spanned amateur and Open eras.

Though controversial later in life, her on-court achievements remain unmatched in quantity.

8. Emma McKeon (Swimming)

Australia’s most decorated Olympian with 14 medals (six gold) across Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024. Her seven-medal haul in Tokyo (four gold) tied the single-Games record for women.

McKeon’s versatility and records in freestyle events mark her as a modern great.

9. Shane Warne (Cricket)

The greatest leg-spinner ever, Warne took 708 Test wickets and revived the art of leg-spin. His “Ball of the Century” to Mike Gatting in 1993 is legendary.

Warne’s charisma and Ashes dominance made him a household name until his 2022 passing.

10. Lauren Jackson (Basketball)

A four-time Olympian with three silvers and a bronze, Jackson dominated the WNBA (two championships, three MVPs) and WNBL (six titles). She is Australia’s most successful basketball export.

Her scoring prowess and leadership earned her Hall of Fame induction.

Honorable Mentions

• Betty Cuthbert: Four Olympic golds in athletics.
• Ellyse Perry: Dual international in cricket and soccer.
• Sam Kerr: Modern football superstar.
• Heather McKay: Squash dominance with 16 British Opens.

Australia’s sporting success stems from a culture valuing grit, innovation and fair play. These athletes embody that spirit, from Bradman’s statistical perfection to Freeman’s unifying moment.

Debates will continue — cricket’s team sport vs. individual Olympic glory — but these 10 represent the pinnacle of Australian excellence. Their stories inspire young Aussies chasing dreams on fields, pools and courts worldwide.

The 2025 figures from R3for the region show a 9.3% decrease in insolvency-related activity,

North East businesses have weathered a challenging year with the region chalking up a drop in insolvency-related activity, a new report suggests. The latest annual report from R3 – the trade body for restructuring, turnaround and insolvency professionals – also shows an increase in the number of new start-ups.

Supported by data from CreditSafe, R3’s reports examine insolvency and start-up activity, highlights sectors under financial stress, and explores key business pressures. The 2025 figures for the region show a 9.3% decrease in insolvency-related activity, which includes administrations and creditors’ meetings as well as voluntary and compulsory liquidations from 863 cases in 2024 to 783 last year.

However, levels of insolvency activity still remain much higher than five years ago. There was a 3.3% increase over the same period in the number of start-up businesses which rose from 16,897 to 17,455.

In a year-on-year regional comparison the North East was one of the best performing areas, with its annual decline in insolvency related activities topped only by Yorkshire and Humber with a 9.9% decrease and Greater London’s 11% drop.

The R3 Annual Business Health Report also explores sector trends across the UK, with the national picture highlighting a fragile operating environment for many businesses.

Construction continued to account for the highest number of insolvency activities in the UK in 2025 (4,584 cases), despite a modest reduction of 6% on the previous year. The sector was impacted by rising material costs as well as delayed payments, skills shortages and weak investor confidence.

Within the North East, Cramlington based construction specialist Merit went into administration towards the end of the year, with the loss of around 340 jobs, while Union Electric Steel also closed its North East operation in Gateshead, with the loss of 156 jobs. Directors at Merit have since bought assets of the business from administrators to start a new company.

Elsewhere in the UK wholesale and retail (4,124 cases) and accommodation and food services (3,831 cases) also saw rising insolvency activity, reflecting pressure on margins as hard-pressed opted to save rather than spend, in discretionary spending and businesses struggled to absorb or pass on higher costs.

Manufacturing insolvencies also remained historically high with 2,188 cases, as companies battled energy costs, supply chain disruption and subdued export demand.

Kelly Jordan, North East Chair of R3, and partner at Muckle LLP, said: “The R3 report shows that businesses, both regionally and nationally, struggled to regain their footing in 2025 after several years of economic challenges.

“While inflation has now eased, the cumulative impact of higher costs, tighter credit conditions and weak demand continues to place significant pressure on local companies, particularly smaller and mid-sized firms with limited financial headroom.

“As we move into 2026, while cashflow and profit margins remain under pressure, seeking professional advice at an early stage from an R3 member can make a critical difference, giving viable businesses the best chance of survival and recovery.”