WONDA BLOGS

Inside the SGF Franchise Scandal: Kewal Ashwani Ahuja’s Unraveling Empire What started as a promising vegetarian quick service restaurant chain under Kewal Ashwani Ahuja has turned into a cautionary tale of mismanagement, unmet promises, and financial setbacks for investors. Over the past decade, India’s franchise industry has grown rapidly, attracting investors with the appeal of brand recognition, operational assistance, and strong returns. SGF (Spice Grill Flame), led by Kewal Ashwani Ahuja , positioned itself as a fast-scaling pure-veg QSR model and quickly expanded across the country. However, behind the brand’s glossy image, franchise partners began facing severe challenges — from operational inefficiencies to financial losses — exposing deep cracks in the business model. The Lure of Easy Returns and Rapid Expansion SGF marketed itself as a national success story with over 125 outlets across India. The FOCO (Franchise Owned Company Operated) model promised investors a fixe...

  Nifty, Sensex Likely to Open Lower on August 8 as US Tariff Hike Weighs on Sentiment Indian equity markets may start Friday’s session on a muted note, with benchmark indices Nifty 50 and Sensex expected to trade under pressure as global tariff concerns intensify. At 7:30 am, the GIFT Nifty was down 0.2% or 50 points at 24,644, indicating a cautious opening. On Thursday, Nifty 50 and Sensex staged a strong recovery in the final hour, reversing steep intraday losses to close with marginal gains. The rebound was aided by improved global sentiment following the possibility of talks between the US and Russia. However, early weakness came after US President Donald Trump announced an additional 25% tariff on Indian goods, doubling the total import duty to 50%. The decision, linked to India’s continued purchases of Russian oil and defence equipment, is expected to impact multiple sectors. The 50% tariff will apply to most Indian exports, except for a small list of exemptions. Despite...

Rupee Weakens to 87.63 Against US Dollar Amid Trade Uncertainty and Tariff Pressures The Indian rupee slipped 5 paise to 87.63 against the US dollar in early trade on Friday, weighed down by persistent trade uncertainty, foreign fund outflows, and a firm US dollar. Forex traders reported that the rupee is trading in a narrow range, with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) actively intervening to keep it near the 87.95 level. At the interbank foreign exchange market, the rupee opened at 87.56 and touched an intra-day low of 87.63, marking a 5 paise decline from the previous close. According to CR Forex Advisors MD Amit Pabari, the currency held its ground despite fresh headwinds from additional US tariffs, with RBI measures helping to limit volatility. Rupee Outlook and Key Levels Pabari noted that the rupee may attempt a pullback toward the 87.50 level in the near term. Immediate support is placed at 87.20, while resistance is seen at 87.70. He added that depreciation pressures remain ...

  Major US retailers — including Walmart, Amazon, Target, and Gap — have paused orders from Indian exporters following US President Donald Trump’s decision to double tariffs on Indian goods to 50%. According to sources cited by NDTV Profit, apparel and textile exporters have received written instructions from buyers to halt shipments until further notice. Exporters Face Rising Costs and Order Losses The higher tariff burden, split into a 25% hike already in effect and another 25% set for August 28, is expected to raise costs by 30–35%. US buyers are reportedly unwilling to share the added costs, pressuring exporters to absorb them. Industry insiders warn that the move could slash US-bound orders by 40–50%, potentially causing losses of $4–5 billion. Key exporters such as Welspun Living, Gokaldas Exports, Indo Count, and Trident — which derive 40–70% of their sales from the US — are likely to be most affected. The United States, India’s largest textile and apparel export desti...