Kotak Life Insurance is marking its 25th anniversary by utilizing AI and a phygital strategy for future growth. Managing director Mahesh Balasubramanian discusses the company's plans and the impact of GST rate cuts, which have made term insurance 18% more affordable. The upcoming Bima Sugam will also help address the issue of uninsured and underinsured individuals.
The US Department of Labor (DOL) has launched Project Firewall, an enforcement initiative targeting misuse of the H-1B visa program. The move is being projected as a way to safeguard American jobs, wages, and opportunities, but it also brings new challenges for immigrants and employers who rely on the program.
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor and Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan are worried about Air India Express cancelling many flights from Kerala airports in the winter schedule. Tharoor has asked the airline's CEO and MD to prioritise Kerala, while Satheesan has written to the Civil Aviation Minister expressing concern on behalf of the people.
US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have put forward a "20-point" plan to achieve peace in Gaza, which includes releasing hostages, demilitarizing the region, and creating a peaceful civilian administration. The plan has received support from eight Muslim-majority nations and the Palestinian Authority, while the militant group Islamic Jihad opposes it.
Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban were once Hollywood’s power couple, sharing a bond that fans admired for years. But after 19 years of marriage and two daughters, the pair have now separated.
Google's YouTube has settled a lawsuit with former President Donald Trump for $24.5 million after his account was suspended following the Jan. 6 attacks on the Capitol. $22 million will go towards the Trust for the National Mall and a White House ballroom, with the remaining $2.5 million paid to other parties involved. This is the third major technology company to settle with Trump.
Hyderabad-based startup Equal, founded by Keshav Reddy and Rajeev Ranjan, has launched an AI-powered call assistant to combat spam and provide real-time call transcripts. The service, which will debut on October 2 for 10,000 Android users in Delhi NCR, boasts a 94% spam detection rate and 87% reduction in call interruptions. Equal is backed by investors like Prosus and Blume Ventures.
Trump and Netanyahu have proposed a 20-point plan to end the Gaza war and free hostages, but it relies on conditions Hamas has rejected. Trump believes Hamas is weakened and will accept. Qatar and Egypt are reviewing, while the Palestinian government and some Arab leaders support it. However, tension remains, and some points are not mentioned.
Vodafone Idea has filed an amended petition to the Supreme Court, seeking to scrap the penalty, interest, and interest on penalty that make up its adjusted gross revenue (AGR) dues. The company argues that the additional charges are unjustified due to the uncertainty over the correct liability. The case has been deferred to October 6.
Tata Capital's upcoming IPO has a price band of Rs 310-326 per share, much lower than its current unlisted market price of Rs 735-765. It is also 5-10% lower than the rights issue price of Rs 343 per share. The IPO is expected to raise Rs 15,512 crore and market analysts are optimistic about its success.
Trump's 100% tariff on foreign films may harm Indian cinema's overseas business as the US is a key market for big-budget movies. This could also impact distribution deals and release strategies. The announcement on Truth Social lacks details and the legal justification for the tariffs is uncertain, according to experts.
Zoho's messaging app, Arattai, has experienced a massive increase in daily sign-ups, going from 3,000 to 350,000 in only three days. This growth is attributed to government support, social media attention, and its reputation as a secure and privacy-focused alternative to popular apps like WhatsApp.
Tata Motors, a long-standing company, is dividing into two parts to concentrate on its PV and CV businesses. Its PV market share has decreased due to competition from Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai. The split will grant each business more independence and enable quicker development. The CV division, which has faced a decline in market share, can now grow in more stable segments.
Tata Communications has been awarded a contract to provide digital infrastructure for GSTAT, a new body established by the finance ministry to handle GST-related disputes. The project will cover the principal bench in New Delhi and 31 state benches, with the goal of automating operations, utilizing predictive analytics and chatbots, and ensuring secure data transfer.
Tata Capital is set to launch India's fourth-largest IPO of Rs 15,512 crore on October 6, with a price range of Rs 310-Rs 326 per share. The anchor investor offer period begins on October 3, with the issue consisting of a fresh issue of Rs 6,846 crore and an offer for sale of Rs 866.5 crore by Tata Sons and IFC.
Traditional multi-brand mobile retailers in tier-1 cities are facing tough competition from e-commerce players during the festive season. To boost sales, retailers like Poorvika, BigC, and Sangeetha Mobiles have shifted their focus to smaller towns. They are now delivering smartphones in 15-20 minutes across 700+ PIN codes, surpassing e-commerce and quick-commerce players.
Lee Chae Min's unexpected arrival in Bon Appetit, Your Majesty brought positive changes to the show. He not only resolved a controversy but also became the show's star, captivating viewers with his skills and dedication. The final episode achieved record-breaking ratings and Chae Min topped brand rankings, solidifying his success.
Happy Ashtami! May Maa Durga’s trident protect you from all evil, her blessings guide you in all your endeavors, and her love fill your heart with joy. Happy Ashtami! Let the goddess’s blessings be your armor, her love be your strength, and her grace be your guide. Happy Durga Ashtami! This Ashtami, let’s remember the goddess who reminds us that we are born to fight, win, and shine. Jai Maa
Rapper Badshah becomes the first Indian-born musician to own a Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II worth $2 million. The extravagant vehicle boasts a powerful engine, luxurious interior, and advanced technology, making it a prized possession for any car lover. Badshah's collection also includes a Lamborghini and Porsche, adding to his impressive fleet of premium cars.
Major beverage bottlers in India, such as PepsiCo and Coca-Cola, are anticipating a slow September quarter due to prolonged monsoon rains. This may impact sales during the festive season. However, they are optimistic about a stronger December quarter with GST cuts and promotional offers. The emergence of new competitors like Reliance Consumer will also be closely watched.
India's new CAFE norms aim to decrease fuel consumption and carbon emissions from passenger vehicles. The latest version offers exemptions for smaller petrol cars and prioritizes cleaner powertrains like EVs and hybrids. A new emissions pooling concept encourages collaboration between traditional and EV-focused automakers.
The MCA is creating an EWS to detect insolvency risk in companies, accessible to creditors and regulators. It will identify discrepancies in filings, tax returns, diversion of funds, debt servicing, and cash flow. NeSL's registry for debt defaults has limitations, while MCA monitors compliance. Integration of systems and databases is needed for effective detection.
Rahul Jain, MD & senior partner at BCG, emphasizes the need for cost competitiveness, ease of doing business, and SME sector development to boost India's manufacturing share in GDP. He stresses on localized value chains and education reforms, citing the demographic dividend and critical asset ownership as key drivers for progress.
India is actively engaged in trade negotiations with multiple countries, including the US, European Union, New Zealand, Oman, Peru, Chile, Qatar, Bahrain, Eurasian Economic Union, and European Free Trade Association. The country is aiming for a trade agreement with the US by November and hopes to increase bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030.
InterGlobe Aviation and Max Healthcare's addition to Nifty 50 is predicted to raise their stock prices, with a projected increase in investments. However, IndusInd Bank and Hero MotoCorp will be removed. Previous inclusions have yielded positive returns and more institutional involvement. Hero MotoCorp and IndusInd Bank are expected to see the highest outflows.
WeWork India plans to increase revenue and capacity by 20-25% through expansion in top cities and introducing new products. The IPO on Friday will see a 30% dilution of promoters' stake and a focus on inorganic growth. The company has experienced a rise in demand due to the hybrid work model, catering to smaller and larger businesses.
TruAlt Bioenergy Ltd's IPO was subscribed 71.92 times on the last day of the offering, with bids for 88,85,47,230 shares against 1,23,55,424 shares on offer. The QIBs portion received 159.22 times subscription, while the retail investors' quota received 11 times subscription. The company raised Rs 252 crore from anchor investors and plans to use the funds for expansion and debt repayment.
Walking is a beneficial exercise for the heart, promoting better blood flow and reducing stress. Research suggests that taking 7,000 steps daily can decrease the risk of heart disease and mortality, but the ideal step count may differ based on one's health. Consistent moderate exercise is crucial for maintaining good cardiovascular health.
Fabtech Technologies Ltd received 70% subscription on the first day of its initial public offering (IPO), with bids for 84,20,325 shares against 1,20,60,000 shares on offer. The IPO, with a price band of Rs 181-191 per share, will conclude on October 1. The company plans to use the proceeds for working capital, inorganic growth, and general corporate purposes.
Banks across the country will be closed tomorrow for Durga Puja, as per the RBI holiday calendar. Some cities will also have closed banks during the first week of October. However, online and mobile banking services will operate as usual. Customers are advised to plan ahead for any in-person banking needs.
Glottis Ltd's IPO was subscribed 42% on the first day of bidding, with bids for 84,69,402 shares against 2,01,23,929 shares on offer. The QIBs portion saw 1.79 times subscription, while RIIs received 22% and non-institutional investors 16%. The Chennai-based logistics service provider has mobilised over Rs 55 crore from anchor investors and the issue will conclude on October 1. The IPO
The 42nd edition of the Cannes TFWA World Exhibition is currently underway, featuring over 3,000 brands showcasing their products. Radico Khaitan, a renowned Indian alco-bev company, has unveiled the final two editions of their award-winning Rampur Jugalbandi series at the conference. These limited-edition Indian Single Malts have received numerous accolades and mark a milestone for the brand.
Jaguar Land Rover, a subsidiary of Tata Motors, is resuming operations in a phased manner after being impacted by a cyber attack. The company has faced cash flow issues and reduced staff hours, but is making progress in restoring operations. They are also working with authorities to ensure security and the UK government has offered a loan guarantee to help protect the company and its supply chain.
Starting October 1, new rules will be in place for payments, bookings, and charges, affecting festive season spending. These include the removal of the collect request feature in UPI payments changes to prevent fraud. The NPS will now allow 100% equity investment and IRCTC ticket booking will be easier for Aadhaar verified citizens without agent involvement for first 15 minutes.
Moody's affirms India's 'Baa3' rating with stable outlook, citing strong economic growth and sound external position. Long-standing fiscal weaknesses and high debt burden remain concerns, but strong GDP growth and gradual fiscal consolidation expected. US tariffs may hinder India's manufacturing investment, but limited impact on economic growth.
Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has secured a Sustainability-Linked Trade Facility (SLTF) worth $700 million from Standard Chartered. The facility is tied to key performance indicators (KPIs) such as greenhouse gas emissions and fresh-water withdrawal, and is aligned with market standards for sustainability-linked financing.
Geeta Gandbhir, an Indian-American filmmaker, will be honored with the Impact Award at the Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival for her film The Perfect Neighbor. The doc, which delves into a community member's murder, has already won a Directing Award at Sundance. Mentored by Spike Lee and Sam Pollard, Gandbhir has successfully made the transition from narrative to documentary filmmaking.
Kajol and Salman Khan were the reigning stars of 90s Bollywood and delivered blockbuster hits together. In a recent talk show, the two shared memories of their first meeting on the sets of Kajol's father's film, where she called Salman 'uncle'. Salman also revealed his close bond with Kajol's father, who passed away in 2008.
Kolkata's Durga Puja stands out for its unique and creative themes, ranging from the past to the future. Despite heavy rains, the pandals have drawn huge crowds, with some offering political commentary. Others honor India's past and future, with themes like artificial intelligence and Bollywood films. Kolkata's pandals showcase its creativity and vision, setting it apart from other states.
Prashant Kishor, the founder of Jan Suraaj, declared his income and expenditures at a Bihar rally. He stated that he earned Rs 241 crore in the last three years through professional advice, paid Rs 30,98,68,764 in GST, and donated Rs 98.95 to his party. He also made accusations against JDU and BJP leaders, including allegations of illegal property acquisition and murder.
Tata Communications has been awarded a "multi-crore" project by GSTAT to create a comprehensive digital infrastructure that will provide seamless access across all benches nationwide, strengthen data security, and simplify user experience. The project includes network, IoT, cloud, and security services, further solidifying Tata Communications' role as a reliable technology partner
A record 125 foreign-born US citizens are billionaires living in the United States, hailing from 41 countries, according to Forbes 2025 data. These self-made immigrants account for 14% of the nation’s nearly 900 billionaire fortunes, collectively worth $1.3 trillion and controlling 18% of America’s $7.2 trillion billionaire wealth.
Tata Motors gears up for demerger, leadership changes and JLR's loan guarantee amid cyber attack. The company announced the effective date of the demerger as October 1, along with leadership changes and a UK government loan guarantee of £1.5 billion for JLR. The cyber attack on JLR's IT systems has halted production globally and led to the resignation of three independent directors.
Epack Prefab Technologies' IPO bidding closed on September 26 with a strong response from investors, resulting in an overall subscription of 3.14 times. The allotment of shares will be finalised on September 29, and the listing is scheduled for October 01. Investors can check their IPO allotment status online through BSE, NSE, or the registrar's website.
Premier Energies has been awarded solar contracts worth USD 19.95 million in Republic of Benin, West Africa. These projects, funded by EXIM Bank and EBID, will help improve access to clean, sustainable energy in the country. The company plans to increase its manufacturing capacity and enter new areas to become a top global renewable energy equipment manufacturer.
UST, a leading AI and technology solutions company, has partnered with Kaynes Semicon, a major Indian semiconductor manufacturer, to establish a world-class OSAT facility in Gujarat. This investment will drive the growth of electronics, EVs, renewables, and consumer tech in India and support the country's goal of becoming a top semiconductor hub.
AI actress Tilly Norwood, created by Xicoia, is gaining fame and attracting Hollywood talent agents. While some see her as a threat to real-world actors, her creator believes AI can enhance the entertainment industry. Tilly's social media presence and role in a comedy sketch have sparked debates about the future of AI in showbiz.
A rally held by TVK chief Vijay in Tamil Nadu resulted in a stampede, causing the death of 41 people, including 18 women. The incident has sparked a political blame-game, with opposition parties demanding a CBI probe and the state DGP blaming TVK for mismanagement. TVK has moved the Madras HC for a probe. DMK said that Vijay is trying to 'escape criminal libaility'.
Durga Ashtami is a significant day in the Durga Puja celebrations, marked by special rituals such as Mahasnan, Shodashopachar Puja, and Kanjak or Kanya Puja. This year, it falls on September 30, 2025, and will be celebrated with unique pandals showcasing themes like "Operation Sindoor" and a vatican-themed pandal.
Gold prices soar to a record high above $3,800 per ounce as the dollar weakens and the Fed is expected to make more rate cuts. U.S. gold futures also increased, driven by a combination of factors including a weak dollar, positive inflation data, and optimistic market sentiment. Traders are predicting a high chance of rate cuts in October and December, while demand for gold grows.