Maruti Suzuki is complying with government regulations by equipping its entire lineup with six airbags as standard. The Ertiga and Baleno now have six airbags and a slight price increase, while the S-Presso is the only model without them. Both models in the Arena range and the Nexa lineup have been upgraded.
US President Donald Trump on Friday clarified that he had advised newly appointed White House press secretary Katie Zacharia to "reconsider" the job amid intense media scrutiny. His remarks followed US media reports that she had been forced out on October 16, just five days into the role.
Elon Musk's Starlink on Friday said it was ready to bring high-speed internet to India, responding to Reliance Industries' remarks on competition in the satellite communications sector.
CERT-In’s October 15 critical advisory warned that AI agents had accessed Indian systems and sensitive records beyond their authorised scope, while attackers used agentic tools to accelerate intrusions from days to hours. Experts urged least-privilege, task-specific access, separate testing environments, human approval for high-impact actions, continuous monitoring and tamper-resistant logs.
India’s 2026-27 sugar production is forecast to fall to 28 million tonnes from 31 million, as dry conditions in parts of Maharashtra and Karnataka threaten yields. Mills are expected to produce no sugar for ethanol, while consumption is projected at 28.5–29 million tonnes. Opening stocks are at a decade-low 3.5–3.6 million tonnes.
Sebi will restore the 30-minute VWAP method for settling expiring derivatives from December 7, 2026, replacing closing-auction prices. Experts expect fewer auction-driven price swings, improved participation and some liquidity gains from allowing unexecuted iceberg and limit orders into the auction.
Sensex and Nifty rose 3.11% and 2.78% for the week, their strongest performance in six months, as a sharp IT rally, softer oil, a firmer rupee and optimism over tax reviews and an India-US trade deal lifted sentiment. Nifty IT surged 11.72%, its biggest weekly gain in 18 years. Mid-caps rose modestly, while small-caps slipped.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said China’s non-tariff barriers were blocking Indian exports and driving a sharply rising trade deficit, which reached $112.1 billion in 2025-26. India seeks negotiations rather than retaliation, while China says it wants balanced cooperation.
Audi India expects sales to remain broadly flat in 2026, with growth from 2027, as currency depreciation and price hikes pressure affordability. The new Q3, priced from ₹51.99 lakh, has drawn encouraging orders and is central to the company’s festive-season strategy. Audi will launch the A5 and Q9 in 2027, while evaluating local EV assembly; SUVs currently make up about 60% of its sales.
Highway construction fell 18.6% year-on-year to 2,369 km in April–September 2026, following subdued awards in recent years. New awards rose 62.9% to 2,236 km, while eight projects worth Rs 63,810 crore were approved in FY27 so far. The government aims to build 10,000 km this year, requiring faster second-half execution. Toll collections increased 11.7% to Rs 36
India’s services exports fell 0.87% year-on-year to $36.35 billion in September, despite growing 8.69% to $216.31 billion in April–September. Weak Western demand, protectionist policies and AI-driven automation are pressuring traditional outsourcing, while 85.1% of software exports go to the US, EU and UK.
Health insurance riders can help build coverage approaching ₹1 crore without the cost of a large base policy. Options include unlimited or capped restoration of an exhausted sum insured; pooling annual cover across a multi-year policy; up to double cover for emergencies; locking premiums to entry age until a claim; and top-up or super top-up plans, which add protection above a deductible.
Adventure sports injuries may be excluded from standard travel insurance, particularly for high-risk activities such as base jumping, deep-sea diving and snowboarding. Travellers should check policy terms and consider a rider; premiums depend on the activity, risk, destination, duration and coverage.
A personal loan can be a cheaper way to clear credit card debt, while education-loan extensions are at the bank’s discretion. Lump-sum home-loan repayments may save more interest than gradually increasing EMIs. Jointly owned property requires a joint loan, and gold-loan rates change only on floating-rate plans.
With 10-year government bond yields at a three-year high of 7.4%, target maturity funds may help investors lock in attractive rates. Experts prefer three-year funds, but advise checking bond quality, entry yields, fees and tracking error. Early exits may expose investors to price swings, and gains are taxed at their slab rate.
Indian exports to the US rose 48% year-on-year to $8.02 billion in September, as exporters frontloaded shipments amid potential US tariffs of up to 100% linked to Russian oil purchases and a Section 301 investigation. April–September exports increased 11.11% to $50.81 billion, though September’s jump also reflected a low base.
The Supreme Court directed the Centre to submit its approved rules on airline pricing by November 16, after the government said they would be published within a fortnight. The rules, framed under the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024, are intended to address unpredictable and excessive fares, especially during holidays.
Indian fund managers remain positive on equities over the medium to long term despite geopolitical risks, high oil prices and elevated US bond yields. Banking and financial services are their top sector, supported by credit growth, resilient asset quality, strong balance sheets and increasing financialisation.
For the fortnight beginning October 16, the government cut the windfall tax on diesel exports to Rs 8.5 per litre from Rs 16, while raising the petrol export duty to Rs 2.5 from Rs 0.5. The ATF duty remains Rs 10.5 per litre, and domestic petrol and diesel excise rates are unchanged. Export duties are reviewed every two weeks.
Stellantis India plans to invest ₹4,000 crore to launch 12 Jeep and Citroën products—seven new models and five upgrades—starting in April–June 2027, aiming to triple domestic sales by 2030. The lineup will span several vehicle segments and powertrains. Stellantis will target about 90% localisation and balance exports with Indian sales, despite holding only around 0.25% of the market in FY26.
Mumbai’s hot, sunny, low-wind weather is trapping emissions and fostering ground-level ozone, worsening pollution from traffic, construction and waste burning. IQAir ranked Mumbai fifth among the world’s most polluted cities, reporting a US-scale AQI of 152, while India’s CPCB recorded 98; differing scales, times and locations make the readings incomparable.
Indian investors have shifted money from large-cap heavyweights toward mid- and small-cap stocks, particularly in defence, capital goods, renewables and pharmaceuticals, supported by policy priorities and stronger earnings prospects. Small caps gained 8.1% in 2026 through October 9, while the Nifty 50 fell 13.8%. Analysts see selective opportunities ahead in defence, financials, and more.
Delhi will replace about 96,000 streetlights with smart LEDs over four months at a cost of Rs 473 crore, including five years of maintenance. Remote monitoring and QR-code complaints will support repairs within 48 hours, with penalties for delays. Officials expect Rs 100 crore in electricity savings and say better lighting will improve public safety.
Jefferies rates Polycab “Buy” with an Rs 11,040 target, implying 33% upside, despite shares falling about 20% from their June peak and new competition from UltraTech’s UltraVolt. In Q2FY27, cable and wire sales rose 47%, largely on higher prices, while solar-led FMEG sales more than doubled and margins improved.
The Supreme Court has asked the Centre to submit the new rules to regulate airfares by November 16.
SEBI has revised Closing Auction Session rules to curb expiry-day volatility. From December 7, 2026, the auction will run from 3:30–3:40 p.m., with reference prices based on the final 15 minutes’ VWAP; index derivatives expiring that day will stop trading at 3:30 p.m. Jefferies says steadier markets may benefit brokers more than exchanges and reiterates its “Buy” rating on Groww.
Northern Railway has temporarily changed platforms for 12 listed long-distance and local services at New Delhi Railway Station from October 16 to November 17, 2026. Changes include the Jaynagar, Chandigarh, Rajgir and Varanasi trains; no cancellations or timetable changes were announced.
Tesla unveiled an experimental redesign of its second-generation Roadster at its Texas rocket facility, targeting production in 2028. The electric sports car features optional SpaceX-inspired compressed-air thrusters and claimed acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in 0.81 seconds, though its final specifications, price, road legality and launch schedule remain unconfirmed.
Tech Mahindra shares rose over 7% after reporting Q2 FY27 profit growth of 32.7% to ₹1,585.6 crore and revenue growth of 15.6% to ₹16,180 crore. The stock has gained 20% in four sessions. Motilal Oswal and Nuvama maintained Buy ratings with ₹1,950 targets, citing deal wins, growth prospects and improving margins; Nomura retained Neutral rating.
The US military has prepared plans to use its GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast bomb, known as the ‘Mother of All Bombs’, against Iranian targets if President Donald Trump orders a strike, reported CBS. The reports come as Iranian attacks on Gulf infrastructure and commercial ships put pressure on Washington's war plans and keep oil prices near $105 a barrel.
Delhi Traffic Police warned of possible delays from 3 PM on Friday, October 16, 2026, due to a proposed “Lehra Do Tiranga” march at Connaught Place’s Central Park. Traffic could be disrupted across 21 roads, including Janpath, Sansad Marg and Barakhamba Road; no closures are confirmed, but diversions may be introduced. Commuters should allow extra time, use public transport where possible.
The Cockroach Janta Party plans a 5 pm Tricolour gathering at Connaught Place’s Central Park on October 16, despite the park’s closure and police prohibitory orders. More than 25,000 security personnel will be deployed, and traffic disruption is expected from 3 pm. AAP has backed the call.
India’s equity tax regime has shifted repeatedly, most recently with 2024 increases to short- and long-term capital gains rates; Budget 2026 left them unchanged. Higher taxes have modestly reduced returns but have not stopped rising retail participation, driven largely by digital access and incomes. Investors object to STT alongside capital gains tax.
Nomura retained its Buy rating on Wipro and raised its target price 5% to Rs 200, implying nearly 15% upside from Thursday’s close. In Q2FY27, revenue rose 9.1% year on year to Rs 24,752.7 crore, beating expectations, while net profit fell 1.9% to Rs 3,199.7 crore. Nomura cited a strong deal pipeline and raised FY27–FY28 EPS estimates.
IIM Ahmedabad director Bharat Bhasker expects placements at top management schools to remain resilient despite economic uncertainty, though a severe market crash could affect all. The institute evacuated Dubai-campus students to India during the West Asia conflict and has since resumed operations. IIMA is exploring a larger funding pool for AI start-ups.
HDFC Life has urged Irdai to consider credit life insurance’s role in covering low-income borrowers as the regulator proposes steep cuts to commissions. The insurer says these policies reach far more people than retail insurance and are vital to the “Insurance for All by 2047” goal.
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy warned that a potential “Super El Niño” could worsen water shortages and urged farmers to prepare for less rainfall, including postponing Rabi paddy cultivation. The government is coordinating agriculture, power and irrigation efforts, prioritising drinking water and deploying district-level officers.
Sebi will restore the pre-auction method for calculating expiry-day derivative settlement prices, using the final 30 minutes’ VWAP, and require exchanges to publish indicative VWAPs. From December 7, 2026, the closing auction will run from 3:30 to 3:45 pm, with revised order windows and matching rules.
Sony Pictures Networks India chief Gaurav Banerjee says India can build globally valuable entertainment businesses by pairing creative talent with stronger intellectual property, technology and sustainable economics. AI can deepen research and development, but should not replace creative workers.
India’s automobile industry posted record second-quarter sales, with September dispatches up year-on-year across passenger vehicles (21.8%), two-wheelers (13.5%) and three-wheelers (16%). Lower prices after GST 2.0, festive demand and a favourable comparison base supported growth.
SDTT and the Bai Hirabai Trust argue that Mehli Mistry cannot contest reports on his trusteeship’s termination: his term expired October 28, 2025, he was not reappointed, and he disclaimed seeking reinstatement. They want preliminary legal objections decided before an inquiry. Mistry seeks Noel Tata’s confirmation that he meets the trust’s criteria.
Jio Platforms plans to boost revenue by selling customers more services, rather than relying mainly on tariff hikes. It sees growth potential across mobile, broadband, enterprise and digital offerings, supported by 533.3 million customers and underused 5G capacity. Expanded wireless broadband coverage could accelerate home connections, while services beyond telecom may improve profitability.
India recorded a $45.4 billion balance-of-payments surplus in August, driven mainly by a surge in non-resident deposits through the RBI’s FCNRB scheme. The surplus reached $58 billion in April–August, while the current account deficit narrowed year over year to $5.2 billion in August. Higher energy prices and imports may keep pressure on the current account.
Fairfax Financial proposed transferring its 49% stake in Go Digit and 30.2% stake in IIFL Capital to IDBI Bank, creating a financial group spanning banking, insurance and investment services. The move follows Cabinet approval for Fairfax’s subsidiary to buy a 60.72% stake in IDBI Bank for ₹52,878.08 crore—the largest foreign direct investment in India’s financial sector.
Novo Nordisk expects India’s GLP-1 market to grow 15–20% annually, potentially outpacing the broader pharmaceutical sector, despite cheaper semaglutide generics gaining ground. The company is seeking approval for higher-dose semaglutide and an oral obesity treatment that could launch around mid-2027. It is also developing sickle cell treatments and working to improve diagnosis and access to care.
Tech Mahindra’s Q2FY27 net profit rose 8.3% sequentially to Rs 1,586 crore, below estimates, while revenue increased 3% to Rs 16,180 crore and EBITDA rose 5%. Margins expanded for a 12th consecutive quarter, and deal wins reached $1.02 billion. Growth varied across business lines; manufacturing declined. Headcount, utilisation and active clients increased, attrition eased.
The Election Commission will begin a Special Summary Revision of voter lists in 13 states and three Union Territories, as well as Assam, from November, using January 1, 2027, as the qualifying date. Draft rolls are due November 12, with claims and objections accepted until December 11; final lists will be published January 4.
Jio Platforms aims to commercialise 6G in the early 2030s, largely through software upgrades to existing infrastructure, subject to final standards. Meanwhile, it plans to monetise spare 5G capacity and expand broadband and digital services.
India’s merchandise exports rose 23% year-on-year to $44.4 billion in September, lifting first-half growth to 18.5% and strengthening prospects of exceeding $550 billion in annual goods exports. Engineering, electronics and petroleum shipments led the increase. Imports rose 8% to $74.6 billion, leaving a $30.2 billion trade deficit, as gold and silver purchases plunged.
India’s rice exports rose 2.5% year on year to $5.77 billion in April–September FY27, constrained by West Asia conflict-related port disruptions, costly rerouting, high paddy prices and cautious buyer demand. September exports increased 4.2% to $960 million. The USDA forecasts a 4% fall in India’s rice exports in 2027.
Ajay Piramal urged India to adopt more liberal, stable regulation, arguing that increasingly complex rules punish law-abiding businesses to prevent misconduct by a few. He warned that abrupt changes, especially in insurance, could raise costs, limit coverage and unsettle investors, and called for transition periods.