Royal Enfield launched the new Himalayan 440, a simpler and affordable adventure motorcycle, addressing the demands of its rider community. It replaces the 411cc model with a larger engine, reduced vibrations, and updated features. The 440 also targets budget-conscious buyers and celebrates the brand's legacy.
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.
Indian equities rallied Thursday, with the Sensex up 2.11% to 74,316 and the Nifty gaining 1.66% to 22,997, their biggest daily advances in four months. Hopes for an India-US trade deal, lower oil prices and a stronger rupee lifted heavyweight stocks, especially IT and financials, despite steep Asian market losses.
Irdai plans another consultation paper on healthcare costs, provider practices and fraud to improve health insurance claims. Chairman Ajay Seth also highlighted a shortage of suitable products for middle-income families and urged insurers to analyse complaint causes and outcomes.
RBI Deputy Governor Swaminathan said financial institutions must strengthen oversight and controls as they grow, while treating customers fairly and continually earning their trust. With India’s financial system expanding and becoming more interconnected, he urged institutions to build resilience, adapt controls and improve recovery from disruptions.
The Supreme Court upheld the Bombay High Court’s decision to quash YES Bank’s Rs 8,415-crore AT1 bond write-off, ruling the bank’s administrator lacked authority to cancel the bonds. The bonds should be restored, potentially with accrued interest, though YES Bank may seek a review. The ruling sent the bank’s shares down 14.53%.
India signed defence contracts worth Rs 4,106 crore with NewSpace India Limited for an indigenous GSAT-7C communication satellite for the Air Force and Bharat Dynamics Limited for Varunastra heavy-weight torpedoes for the Navy. The systems aim to improve secure communications and anti-submarine capability while supporting domestic defence manufacturing and self-reliance.
The IMF welcomed India’s revised GDP methodology and FY23 base year as aligned with international best practice, while noting scope for further improvements. After grading the previous series “C,” it praised new data sources and double deflation.
The southwest monsoon withdrew on Thursday as northeast monsoon rains began over the southern peninsula. The IMD expects isolated heavy rain in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Karnataka through October 21, and forecasts the October–December season to bring normal rainfall (88–112% of average).
India will delay the first phase of its trade deal with the US until Washington clarifies its tariff framework, including proposed Russia-related tariffs and its Section 301 investigation. Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal said talks are advancing, but India wants preferential market access and tariff stability. India also backs a US-led G20 initiative on excess manufacturing capacity.
HPCL is urging electricity tariff reforms, lower demand charges and faster grid connections to improve the economics of public EV charging, where high costs and low usage constrain returns. It has 5,826 charging facilities and targets about 6,000 by FY27, while expanding on highways and at homes, workplaces and fleet depots.