Banks across India will be closed from October 20 to 23 for Diwali, Laxmi Puja, Govardhan Puja, and Bhai Dooj. Online banking and digital payments will still be accessible. The fourth Saturday and Sunday will also be routine bank holidays, with additional closures for regional festivals like Chhath Puja and Sardar.
Major companies caught investors' attention with their latest quarterly results, strategic moves, and sector updates. Reliance Industries reported a 15.9% profit jump, while HDFC Bank's cautious growth and JSW Energy's mixed performance were in focus. The market closed with strong gains, with BSE Sensex climbing 484.53 points and NSE Nifty rising 124.55 points.
Mercedes-Benz introduces new shade, Verde Silver Metallic, for E-Class in India. This deep silver with a hint of green adds sophistication and individuality, making it stand out in urban environment. E-Class LWB variant line-up, including E200, E220d, and E450 4Matic AMG Line, now available in this shade. Price drop due to GST reforms makes the E-Class more accessible.
The festive week has begun and the Street will close on Tuesday, October 21, leading to a slow earnings season for the second quarter. Nifty 50 companies like Coforge, Dr Reddy's Laboratories, SBI Life Insurance, and Kotak Mahindra Bank will announce their Q2 results. Other notable companies include Laurus Labs, ITC Hotels, and Kotak Mahindra Bank.
The UK and Australia are top providers of higher education in India, with nine UK universities and specialized campuses in GIFT City. This is due to regulatory support and affordable prices, making it a popular choice for students seeking a UK degree. Programs are available in strategic locations like Mumbai and Bengaluru.
TVS has launched the Apache RTX 300, a new challenger in the motorcycle adventure touring segment. It boasts a powerful 299.1-cc engine, four riding modes, cruise control, and a full-colour TFT display with Google Maps mirroring. Priced at Rs 1.99 lakh for the base variant, it offers more power and features than its similarly-priced rivals, making it a strong value proposition.
Hyundai plans to introduce their premium brand, Genesis, in India by 2027 to compete with luxury carmakers like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi. The vehicles will be designed in Germany, Korea, and California, with most being manufactured in South Korea. The brand aims to offer competitive pricing by locally assembling the vehicles in India, with a line-up of sedans and SUVs, including the GV model.
The NITI Aayog report suggests modernizing and providing financial incentives for deep-sea and offshore fishing in India to alleviate pressure on coastal fisheries, increase seafood exports, and create jobs while promoting ecological sustainability. The report recommends investing in a tuna or deep-sea fishing fleet, deploying carrier boats, and developing a network of fishing ports and landings.
Hero Future Energies (HFE) is preparing for a Rs 3,500 crore IPO and has received Rs 1,908 crore in funding from SBI and Canara Bank. CEO Srivatsan Iyer shares their focus on project execution and green hydrogen projects. The PPA process has improved, and renewable and thermal power will coexist as the government aims for 500 GW of renewables by the near future.
"From Mumbai to Ahmedabad and Delhi to Bengaluru, people are flocking to shopping centres and malls for their Diwali purchases. While smaller shop owners are facing disappointment with a drop in sales, larger retail players like Vijay Sales, Lifestyle, Kalyan Jewellers, Tanishq, and Shoppers Stop are seeing high footfalls due to festive offers, GST cuts, and easy financing.
Crompton Greaves Consumer plans to double revenue in five years by expanding focus on solar segment, including solar pumps and rooftops. Company investing in manufacturing, technology, and innovation, with introduction of energy-efficient fan and pump technology. Anticipated growth in solar energy demand presents opportunity for early success in market.
The secondary market in Samvat 2081 saw a decline in earnings and reduced retail participation due to global headwinds and elevated valuations. However, IPOs thrived and raised a record amount of Rs 1.78 lakh crore. Companies had to adjust their issue sizes and valuations due to market conditions, including tariff uncertainty and lower earnings.
The Nifty has surpassed the important 25,400 mark, causing foreign institutional investors (FIIs) to cover their short positions. This has led to a bullish trend with the Nifty aiming for new highs and a target of 26,600. However, a correction could occur with support at 25,508 and the trendline at 25,450. Despite closing at a 52-week high, the Nifty has only gained 5.37% since last Diwali.
The draft Electricity (Amendment) Bill 2025 aims to bring in cost-reflective power pricing, eliminate cross-subsidies, and end discom monopolies. This will ensure financial viability of discoms while enhancing industrial competitiveness. The bill proposes to provide electricity regulators the discretion to fix tariffs, improve revenue flow, and push for industrial competitiveness.
E-commerce platforms have experienced a surge in festive season shopping, with a 24% increase in order volumes and 23% rise in gross merchandise value. Smaller towns, quick commerce orders, and high-value purchases in categories like gold and furniture are driving this growth. Tier II and III cities have shown the strongest increase, with a 120% jump in quick commerce orders.
New-age snack brands are seeing a surge in demand for regional and clean-label snacks this Diwali. Sweet Karam Coffee, Go Desi, Beyond Snack, and other brands are capitalizing on this trend with traditional flavors and healthier ingredients. The festive season is also driving sales for coffee and baked goods brands, with organised sweets and savories market projected to reach $10 billion by 2025.
Crisil's report reveals that despite a decline in exports to the US, India's overall export growth in September was maintained due to a 10.9% increase in non-US markets. The government is actively seeking to reduce the impact of US tariffs by expanding its focus on other markets and expects a manageable current account deficit of 1% of GDP this fiscal year.
India and ASEAN are reviewing their trade agreement to tackle the growing trade deficit. India's counter proposal aims for more market access and resolution of third-country routing issues. The review will be completed by 2025 and discussions will intensify at the upcoming ASEAN-India Summit. The agreement, implemented in 2010, has resulted in a significant trade gap.
NSC, a state-owned seed corporation, plans to increase sales turnover by 33% in FY26 by expanding its product range and utilizing online platforms. The corporation aims to reach more farmers through its dealers and farmer producer organizations. With the introduction of online sales and partnerships with logistic players, NSC hopes to reduce costs and increase the seed replacement ratio.
MCA waives additional fees and extends deadline for annual filings under Companies Act for FY25. Companies can now upload annual filings till Dec 31, 2025 without additional fees. Revised e-forms have been deployed on MCA-21 Version 3 portal. This is a breather for companies adjusting to new reporting mechanism and aligned with ease of doing business vision.
Indian equities are expected to perform well this year, with large-cap stocks providing good value and earnings potential. The Sensex's P/E ratio has slightly risen, while the BSE Micap's has fallen and the BSE Smallcap's has risen. The recent GST cut and income tax benefits are predicted to boost corporate earnings and aid the Indian market.
Bollywood star Salman Khan has invested in a sprawling 150-acre property in Panvel, named Arpita Farms after his beloved sister. The property boasts a rustic farmhouse, state-of-the-art gym, horse stables, and a luxurious swimming pool. During the pandemic, fans got a glimpse into the actor's inner world as he shared photos and videos from the serene hideaway on Instagram.
India and the EU are negotiating a free trade agreement, with the deadline nearing. The 14th round of talks didn't result in any major progress, but discussions at the political level will persist. The EU wants lower tariffs in different sectors, while India seeks duty-free entry for labor-intensive goods. Disagreements persist in sustainability and investment.
ICAI to enhance review of financial statements for fraud detection, with focus on highly leveraged, low-audit fee paying, and negative reserve companies. Insolvency resolution firms will also be prioritized. No specific thresholds, but parameters will be used to efficiently detect financial irregularities. FRRB, a non-standing committee, will probe cases like Gensol and IndusInd Bank.
Ram Singh, director and professor at Delhi School of Economics and member of the Monetary Policy Committee, supports a shift to an accommodative stance and further rate cuts due to benign inflation and signs of private investment recovery. However, he cautions that global headwinds and external volatility may limit aggressive rate action.
The Indian government plans to create a $50 billion sovereign wealth fund, called the 'Bharat Sovereign Wealth Fund', to support economic growth and invest in strategic sectors domestically and globally. While facing resistance, this fund is seen as a way to project India's soft power and achieve its goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047.
India's goal of reaching 500 GW of green power by 2030 is hindered by a decrease in bidding and investor interest, as well as delays in power purchase agreements and transmission. Over 40 GW of projects are stranded, and grid limitations, execution difficulties, and supply chain issues are major obstacles for developers.
The third edition of The Battery Show India (TBSI) 2025 will be held from October 30 to November 1, 2025, at the India Expo Centre & Mart (IEML) in Greater Noida. The expo will bring together stakeholders from the energy storage and electric mobility sector to discuss growth and emerging opportunities. It will feature over 350 exhibitors and 400 brands from different countries.
After being laid off from LinkedIn, Oscar Cecena Fujigaki decided to finish his science fiction novel that he had been working on for years. He treated writing like a 9-to-5 job and completed the 112,000-word book by August. He is now searching for a job that allows him to balance work and writing, and advises others not to take layoffs personally and focus on the present.
Delhi's air quality hit 'severe' levels in various regions on Sunday, a day before Diwali. The Central Pollution Control Board reported hazardous conditions with AQI levels exceeding 400. Akshardham and Anand Vihar were the most polluted areas, while other parts of Delhi and NCR also showed poor air quality. Measures such as water sprinklers were implemented to combat pollution.
Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly told Donald Trump in a phone call last week that Ukraine must give up full control of Donetsk, a key region in eastern Ukraine, for the war to end, according to two senior officials familiar with the conversation, The Washington Post reported.
the festival celebrating the special bond between brothers and sisters, will be observed on October 23. Marked by love, rituals, and prayers for each other’s well-being, this auspicious day brings Diwali festivities to a heartfelt close with traditional tilak and blessings. Check for timings here.
Rohit Sharma, India's batting icon and captain, achieved a significant milestone in his 17-year international career, becoming the fifth Indian cricketer to make 500 appearances. He joins an elite group of Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, and Rahul Dravid.
Florida council member Chandler Langevin is under fire for social media remarks calling for the deportation of Indians. He has been formally censored by the Palm Bay City Council, The Washington Post reported. Over several weeks this fall, Langevin wrote on X that Indians come to the United States to “drain our pockets” and return to India, “or worse… to stay.”
Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge criticizes BJP for supporting government officials attending RSS events, citing a rule prohibiting political affiliations. BJP MP Tejasvi Surya threatens legal action over suspension of official attending RSS event, sparking political debate with Congress.
Meesho, backed by SoftBank, plans to raise Rs 4,250 crore through its IPO with a mix of fresh equity and secondary share sale. The funds will be used for brand building, cloud infrastructure, and hiring for AI and tech development. Key investors will also offer shares. Kotak Mahindra Capital, JP Morgan, and Morgan Stanley are the book-running lead managers.
A 41-year-old Indian national was arrested in Bangkok after he was seen wielding a lighter shaped like a pistol and shouting at people, causing panic in crowded Siam Square on Monday. Video footage shows him dancing on the road, verbally abusing bystanders, and pointing the lighter at people.
Sam Pitroda, chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress, claims that Indian elections are rigged and there is a lack of freedom of speech. He claimed that polls in India are rigged and alleged that the Election Commission and the Supreme Court do not acknowledge this. BJP leaders criticised him for his remarks, calling him a "serial offender."
Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami has approved a 3% increase in DA for employees and pensioners of local bodies and state government PSUs, effective from July 1. The hike will be paid with the October salary. This follows UP government's announcement of a similar 3% hike as a Diwali gift for its employees and pensioners, benefiting around 28.5 lakh people.
Zeteto founder and broadcaster Mehdi Hasan attended a “No Kings” rally on Saturday, delivering blistering remarks against US President Donald Trump in Washington
Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah cautions against RSS, citing their historical opposition to Dr. BR Ambedkar and the Constitution. Urges people to reject orthodox and "sanatani" beliefs and work towards social change. Criticizes RSS for spreading false information about Ambedkar and asserts his government's commitment to following his principles. Minister's objection to RSS programs also highlighted.
Air quality in Delhi-NCR has worsened to "severe" levels, with the AQI reaching 295 and 274 in the city. Several areas recorded hazardous levels, and breathing the air is equivalent to smoking six cigarettes a day. The situation is similar in neighboring areas like Ghaziabad, Noida, and Greater Noida. Transport emissions contribute to 15% of the pollution load.
Pakistan Army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, warned India on Saturday, demanding New Delhi to resolve disputes while cautioning that “there is no space for war in a nuclearised environment.”
Tens of thousands of protesters gathered across the United States on Saturday for the second “No Kings” rally. The nationwide protest is aimed at sending a message that, in America, power lies with the people, not any one leader.
Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to an immediate ceasefire following a week of border violence that claimed dozens of lives. The peace deal was reached in Doha, Qatar, after talks mediated by Qatar and Turkey.
Chandrayaan-2, India's lunar orbiter, observed the Sun's Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) impacting the Moon for the first time. This caused an increase in the total pressure of the fragile lunar exosphere, consistent with theoretical models. The Moon's exosphere is highly sensitive to factors like CMEs, which can temporarily alter its environment and pose challenges for building scientific bases.
Union Ministers Piyush Goyal, Nirmala Sitharaman, and Ashwini Vaishnaw credit Prime Minister Modi's leadership for the positive impact of recent GST reforms on the economy, including simplified tax structure and reduced rates. The reforms have led to increased consumer demand, lower prices, and a boost in key sectors like automobiles and electronics.
A fire at Dhaka's main airport caused delays and suspended operations for six hours. Flights have resumed and measures are being taken to prevent future incidents. The fire has been controlled with assistance from the army, navy, and air force. The estimated impact on imports and exports is over $1 billion. This is the third major fire in Bangladesh this week.
UltraTech Cement, the market leader in the cement industry, reported a 75% increase in net profit for the quarter ended September 30. This was driven by improved sales and lower energy costs. The company's revenue for the quarter was Rs 19,371 crore, up 21.32% year on year. UltraTech's target capacity addition for FY26 is 14.1 mtpa, and it plans to invest Rs 10,255 crore.
PM Modi urges Indians to embrace swadeshi this Diwali, as high-end products like iPhones and SUVs are now being manufactured in India. The new GST reforms and PLI scheme have encouraged this trend, with companies like Apple and Samsung expanding their presence. The automobile sector, including Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai, is also shifting towards Indian-made products.