Hyundai will launch the Bayon on Monday to broaden its mid-size SUV range, positioning it between the Venue and Creta as Creta sales fall and Maruti gains ground. Creta sales dropped 9.7% year-on-year in April–September FY27, while Maruti’s Victoris sold 72,012 units. Analysts say the Bayon could attract new buyers, though it may also divert some sales from entry-level Creta models.
Under the ₹24,000-crore PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana, four low-productivity districts are combining existing schemes to improve farming. Gadchiroli has completed more than 3,100 water-retention projects, enabling new crops and better storage. Alluri Sitarama Raju is replacing cannabis cultivation with high-value horticulture; Banka is promoting soil testing and natural farming.
Nine private banks posted strong Q2FY27 profit growth, supported by higher interest income, credit expansion and broadly stable asset quality. Corporate and business lending outpaced retail growth at several lenders, while FCNR(B) deposits lifted headline deposit growth but pressured CASA ratios.
Axis Bank forecasts FY27 GDP growth of 7.3%, but warns that consumption is weaker than headline indicators suggest and growth relies heavily on public support. Senior vice president Tanay Dalal says India’s deeper challenge is a shortage of fairly priced domestic investment assets, prompting savings to flow overseas.
Pulse imports rose 67% to 2.06 million tonnes in April–August FY27 as El Niño concerns threatened domestic production. Lentil and yellow-pea imports surged, but traders expect purchases to ease as Canadian prices rise and Russian supplies are disrupted. Kharif sowing edged up, though deficient rain damaged crops in parts of Maharashtra and Karnataka.
The NPPA’s 30% trade-margin cap on 137 non-scheduled cancer drugs could cut MRPs by up to 70% and save patients an estimated Rs 2,500 crore annually. However, manufacturers can still raise prices by up to 10% under existing rules, potentially eroding some savings. Existing stocks need not be recalled or relabelled if retailers charge the revised MRP.
IDFC FIRST Bank expects loan and deposit growth of about 20% to be sustainable. CEO V Vaidyanathan said cost efficiencies and lower credit provisions are supporting profits, while margins could recover to around 5.8% by Q4 FY27 as FCNR(B) funds are deployed. Cheaper funding and faster loan repricing should largely offset proposed insurance commission changes and support FY28 profitability targets.
Rising cyberattacks, software vulnerabilities and regulatory requirements are pushing cyber insurance into boardroom discussions. Large Indian firms are seeking far higher limits—sometimes $50–100 million or more—while individuals increasingly seek protection from online fraud. BFSI faces particular risk, but affordability, policy awareness and insurers’ security requirements may constrain uptake.
Irdai has extended the deadline for comments on its insurance distribution reform proposals to October 31, 2026, after receiving more than 650 submissions. The proposals would cap commissions according to business and distribution factors and lower insurers’ expense-of-management limits.
IndiGo will progressively move 12 daily international departures from Mumbai airport to Navi Mumbai between February and July 2027, adding Kathmandu and connecting domestic services. Air India Express will start four daily domestic flights from Navi Mumbai in December, then shift selected West Asia routes through Northern Summer 2027.
Flipkart is under growing pressure as at least 14 senior executives have left in just over a year, former employees seek access to ESOP buybacks, and its IPO remains delayed. The company and several subsidiaries are loss-making, while a GST rule change could create a Rs 1,500–2,000 crore liability on Ekart deliveries.
Gujarat announced Rs 532 crore in healthcare projects: 255 facilities worth Rs 185 crore were inaugurated, and foundations were laid for 45 projects costing Rs 347 crore. The largest is a Rs 223-crore, 521-bed neuroscience institute at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, specialising in complex neurological care.
India’s next investment cycle could direct about Rs 16.24 lakh crore into AI, semiconductors and defence, creating new lending opportunities in batteries, data centres, hydrogen and component suppliers. Union Bank of India says banks should develop specialised financing, favouring projects with reliable buyers and cash flows.
Several employees at Google DeepMind have resigned in recent weeks over the company's agreements with the US military, raising concerns about how its artificial intelligence (AI) technology could be used in classified military operations, an exclusive report by BBC revealed.
Hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets across France on Saturday to protest against rising living costs and growing inequality. Most rallies remained peaceful during the day, but clashes broke out in Paris and Marseille as night fell, despite a massive security operation to prevent a repeat of last week's violence.
Maruti Suzuki’s Nexa channel is expected to revive with a Fronx facelift and a stronger 2027 lineup, including a seven-seat electric SUV, an XL6 facelift, Grand Vitara updates and a new Fronx-sized electric or hybrid model. Nexa’s share of domestic sales fell from 30.68% in 2024 to 27.45% in January–September 2026, as key models aged and Ciaz and Ignis were discontinued.
This week’s releases include Netflix’s three-part Matthew Perry documentary, exploring his fame, addiction struggles and efforts to help others through accounts from family and friends. Bengali thriller *The Calcutta Files* investigates a doctor’s murder amid corruption and political influence. Romantic comedy *Nakhrewaalii* challenges gender expectations in courtship.
Five cultural events are scheduled across India from October 25 to November 1: a folklore performance in Ahmedabad; a documentary screening and discussion about India’s first Antarctic base in Bengaluru; two dance-led stories at a New Delhi festival; a ceramics and embroidery workshop in Mumbai.
Designer Vikram Goyal says global brands using Indian crafts must credit artisans, pay them fairly and help sustain their skills. His London exhibition, *Wings and Tales*, draws on Ramayana imagery and traditional metalwork, embroidery and textiles, bringing craft into contemporary design without stripping away its meaning.
The Book of Queens, a musical project led by opera singer Camille Bordet, brings together poetry and music by historically overlooked women from Iran, Europe and India. Featuring figures including Gordafarid, Malek Khatoom, Hildegard von Bingen, Barbara Strozzi, Mirabai and Akka Mahadevi, it explores women’s creativity and courage across cultures.
Climate careers rarely require starting over: nearly 60% of ClimateHires’ roles do not need specialised climate expertise. As regulation, investor pressure and business economics push climate action across industries, existing skills in operations, marketing, finance, engineering and HR can transfer to roles in decarbonisation, sustainable finance, etc.
Blood clots may cause no warning signs, but limb swelling, pain, warmth or redness—and sudden breathing difficulty, chest pain, facial drooping, one-sided weakness, speech trouble or vision loss—require immediate emergency care. Risks include inactivity, surgery, smoking, obesity, cancer, pregnancy, hormonal medicines and inherited or heart conditions.
India’s drug regulator has called for prominent warnings on NSAIDs and antibiotics, urging use only when medically indicated, at prescribed doses and durations, and under medical supervision. Excessive NSAID use and some antibiotics can damage the kidneys, while antibiotic misuse drives resistance.
A one-night Sundarbans trip from Kolkata offered boat safaris, mangrove mud walks, village life, local music and Bengali seafood. Though the traveler saw no Royal Bengal Tiger, a paw print, crocodiles and abundant wildlife made the journey memorable. Highlights included a night boat ride with bioluminescence and the Do-Banki canopy walk. The article recommends visiting December to February.
The books span leadership, finance, science, culture and war. Nitin Nohria explores the demands of being a CEO; Shrishti Sahu’s *The India Opportunity* examines India’s public markets through investor perspectives. *Innovating for the Nation* celebrates Satish Dhawan’s role in building India’s space programme, while *The Living Himalaya* explores the region’s culture and ecology.
Home bars are becoming a design feature and social hub for Diwali gatherings, with hosts focusing on atmosphere and presentation as well as drinks. Beginners can start with basic tools, versatile glasses, a few spirits, mixers, citrus and ice. Stylish cabinets or compact trolleys, curated accessories and attractive serving pieces can elevate the setup without overcrowding it.
SEBI Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey said retail investing’s next growth phase will extend to towns and villages. He urged brokers to expand beyond equities into bonds, REITs and InvITs, while building trust through investor guidance, risk education and fraud alerts. He also stressed that cybersecurity must be a business priority and outlined plans to simplify compliance and strengthen bond trading.
Priya Hajela’s novel follows a Sikh family across more than half a century of British rule in Punjab, from the Anglo-Sikh wars to the 1914 Komagata Maru voyage. Through grandmother Beant Kaur’s stories, it explores how successive generations navigate loyalty to family and empire, military service, rebellion and evolving ideas of nationhood.
Francis Fukuyama’s *In the Realm of the Last Man* blends memoir, intellectual biography and political history across 35 brief portraits. Recalling influential thinkers, encounters with political leaders, family history and personal friendships, Fukuyama traces the evolution of his ideas and the costs of dissent.
Assam’s Cabinet approved a Rs 303.69-crore Welspun Group manufacturing unit in Rangia, expected to employ 300 people. It also created the Bhupen Hazarika National Award, naming Usha Mangeshkar its first recipient, and raised the Sankardeva Award’s prize to Rs 15 lakh.
American Express will cut 5% of its global workforce—about 3,500 jobs—as part of a restructuring to streamline operations, improve efficiency and prepare for AI, not to address weak business. The cuts come despite higher profits, revenue and card spending. AmEx plans to use AI to personalize customer offers while restricting system access to approved channels.
India has approved 12 semiconductor projects across six states, with over ₹1.64 lakh crore in committed investment. Gujarat leads with six projects worth ₹1.29 lakh crore, including Tata-PSMC’s proposed Dholera wafer fab. Projects elsewhere span assembly, packaging and specialised capabilities.
Brands activating creators for India’s 2026 festive season have risen to 7,200, amid forecasts of ₹1.50–1.55 lakh crore in consumer spending. To avoid audience fatigue and formulaic sponsored content, experts recommend locally trusted nano- and micro-influencers, who may account for 75% of activations, and varied, multi-format storytelling.
India will allow 6,500 tonnes of silver imports over six months, potentially easing shortages and cooling prices ahead of the festive and wedding season. Local premiums have fallen, but weak demand could limit imports. Traders say higher duties and licensing rules create uncertainty, while it remains unclear whether shipments qualify for tariff concessions under India’s UAE trade deal.
Unlimited health insurance can protect against high-cost treatment, but it does not make every policy benefit unlimited. Room-rent limits, disease caps, co-payments, waiting periods, exclusions and add-on limits may still leave policyholders with substantial bills. Plans offer unlimited restoration, uncapped eligible hospitalisation cover, or unlimited cover for one hospitalisation in a lifetime.
Eligible engineering consultants under presumptive taxation can declare 50% of gross receipts as income, subject to receipt limits, but cannot separately deduct expenses; those with higher costs may opt for regular taxation. ULIP proceeds may be exempt depending on issue date, premiums and other conditions.
PFRDA has launched NPS Central, a unified portal jointly managed by the three NPS recordkeeping agencies, allowing subscribers to access accounts using a mobile number and OTP instead of separate CRA logins. It aims to simplify enrolment, contributions, account management, statements and grievances, including for employees changing jobs.
India’s economy remains resilient, supported by strong domestic demand, services and exports; the IMF raised its 2026–27 growth forecast to 7%. But inflation climbed to 5.5% in September, prompting the RBI to raise its repo rate to 5.5% and adopt a tightening stance.
India’s private-sector activity strengthened in October, with the composite PMI rising to a four-month high of 56.7, led by services; manufacturing growth eased slightly. New orders, including export business, increased, while hiring slowed and backlogs fell sharply. Input and selling-price inflation eased, and business confidence improved, though it remained below its 2026 average.
Jio Platforms’ IPO drew bids exceeding Rs 7 lakh crore, the highest in Indian market history, and was subscribed 22.2 times. Institutional demand led, with the QIB portion subscribed 70.6 times; NIIs subscribed 14 times and retail investors 2.72 times. Employee and shareholder quotas were also oversubscribed.
The RBI has injected ₹2.5 lakh crore while tightening policy, leaving markets uncertain about its liquidity stance. A sharp liquidity decline—driven by tax outflows, cash demand and other factors—has pushed up short-term borrowing rates and banks’ funding costs. The central bank’s selective repo auctions appear aimed at preventing market disruption, not easing conditions.
The emergency patching of two critical PHP vulnerabilities exposed how quickly cyberattacks can outpace businesses’ response: working exploits may emerge within hours, while organisations can take weeks to identify affected systems and install fixes. AI is accelerating vulnerability discovery and exploit development.
Gujarat lifted an eight-hour weekly power cut for industries in South Gujarat after industry groups protested potential losses. The staggering had been imposed amid record electricity demand of 29,822 MW on October 16 and a severe power crunch. Textile businesses feared losses of Rs. 300 crore a week. Industry representatives welcomed the cancellation, confirmed by DGVCL on Friday.
Returning Indians should plan the timing of their move because tax treatment changes from non-resident to RNOR and then ROR. RNORs generally avoid Indian tax on most foreign income, while RORs are taxed on worldwide income. Before becoming ROR, they should review overseas deposits, property sales and investments. RNOR is a limited planning window, not a blanket tax exemption.
The government has banned reusing single-use medical devices and disposable surgical items in public and private healthcare facilities, after the DGHS found some hospitals were reusing them while charging patients full price. Authorities must inspect facilities and enforce the ban under applicable laws.
BYD will launch its premium Denza brand in India on November 13, initially offering the Z9 GT electric hatchback and D9 luxury MPV. The D9 is expected to cost about ₹1 crore, between the MG M9 and Toyota Vellfire. Both models will initially be imported and sold through dedicated metro-city showrooms. Founded as a BYD–Mercedes-Benz joint venture, Denza became fully owned by BYD in 2024.
MoRTH has proposed phased safety requirements under draft amendments to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules. AEBS would apply to new M1 models from October 2030 and all M1 vehicles from October 2032; public feedback is invited for 30 days. The proposals also set standards and deadlines for steering, lane-keeping, taxi driver-alert systems, commercial-vehicle safety features and V2V communication.
In H1FY27, capital expenditure rose year-on-year in Keralam (57.6%), Assam (51.7%) and Karnataka (30%), while tax revenue growth strengthened in all three. Revenue spending climbed in Keralam, edged up in Assam and fell in Karnataka. Keralam’s borrowings increased, while Karnataka repaid debt.
Government websites across Europe went offline on Wednesday as website operators rushed to fix two critical security flaws in PHP, one of the most widely used programming languages on the internet.
Brokerages see contrasting investment cases after Swiggy and Eternal’s Q2 FY27 results. Swiggy’s ratings range from “Reduce” to “Buy,” with target prices of Rs 200–403, reflecting concern over Instamart’s rising losses and uncertain path to profitability. Eternal receives consistent “Buy” ratings, with targets of Rs 420–450.