NPCI has launched biometric authentication for UPI transactions, using Aadhaar-based Face Authentication. This eliminates the need for managing multiple OTPs or card details, making onboarding faster and simpler for first-time users, senior citizens, and those without easy access to cards.
Indian Railways has halted the sale of platform tickets at 15 key stations, including Delhi and Mumbai, to ensure the safety of passengers during Diwali and Chhath Puja. The restriction will last until October 28, 2025, but some passengers will be exempt. A holding area has been completed at New Delhi Railway Station to handle the rise in foot traffic during festivals.
TCS HR head Sudeep Kunnumal addressed concerns about layoffs during the Q2 earnings call, stating that the company will evaluate employees instead of chasing a target for job cuts. Analysts questioned the company's headcount reduction and Kunnumal clarified that it is a result of voluntary and involuntary attrition.
Silver shortage and high premiums in Mumbai's Zaveri Bazar have halted fresh orders from jewellers due to increased global demand. Prices have soared to Rs 2 lakh/kg, affecting festive celebrations. To resolve the issue, IBJA has urged fund houses to sell silver ETFs and invest in futures. Gold prices are also at a peak.
Despite high prices, Indian shoppers are still buying gold and silver coins during the festive season. Smaller denominations are preferred, but overall demand remains steady. Retailers and online marketplaces are seeing a rise in sales, with coins being seen as both auspicious gifts and smart investments.
In September, passenger vehicle dispatches increased by 4.4%, signaling a positive start to the festive quarter for the auto industry. Despite the new GST rates being in effect for only nine days, sales for passenger vehicles, two-wheelers, and three-wheelers reached an all-time high.
The Reserve Bank of India's intervention led to a 1% increase in the rupee's value, its largest gain since June 24. The RBI sold $5 billion to support the rupee, reducing its YTD depreciation to 3.05%. The rupee was the top-performing Asian currency, indicating positive market sentiment due to hopes of a US trade deal and FPI inflows.
Celebrity engagement rings have always fascinated fans — from Beyoncé’s flawless diamond to Mariah Carey’s jaw-dropping sparkler. Even Taylor Swift’s stunning ring, though dazzling, doesn’t make it to the list of the world’s most expensive celebrity engagement rings. Here’s a look at the priciest and most talked-about rings that have defined luxury and love in Hollywood.
The highly anticipated horror flick, Thamma, is set to release on Oct 21, just in time for Halloween and Diwali. Directed by Aditya Sarpotdar, the movie stars Ayushmann Khurrana, Rashmika Mandanna, and Nawazuddin Siddiqui, with a star-studded supporting cast. According to reports, the lead actors are being paid in crores for their roles. Thamma is the fifth instalment in the MHCU.
With Diwali around the corner, OTT platforms are releasing new and exciting content for viewers to binge-watch during the festivities. From family comedies like "Greater Kalesh" and mystery thrillers like "Bhagwat Chapter One - Raakshas" to horror flicks like "Final Destination: Bloodlines" and animated favorites like "How to Train Your Dragon," there's something for everyone.
Oberoi Realty's Q2 FY26 saw a 28.9% YoY profit growth, with consolidated net profit of Rs 760 crore and revenue from operations of Rs 1,779 crore. Despite a decrease in net profit margin, the company has declared an interim dividend of Rs 2 per equity share for eligible shareholders. The record date is October 21, with payment starting on or before November 4, 2025.
HDFC Life Insurance reported a 3% increase in standalone net profit to ₹447 crore for Q2 of FY26. Total premium income rose 14% to ₹19,287 crore. New business premium grew 11% to ₹8,950 crore, while renewal premium rose 17% to ₹10,337 crore. However, management expenses increased 16%, impacting profitability.
Indian tech company Info Edge gained social media attention with viral videos of its Diwali gifts for employees. Each employee received a VIP-branded suitcase, snack box, and traditional diya, with beautifully decorated desks. Netizens reacted with comparisons and complaints about their own workplace gifts. The company, founded in 1995, owns popular online platforms and is headquartered in Noida.
RBL Bank's stock hit a 52-week high amid takeover talks, with Emirates NBD in advanced negotiations to acquire a controlling stake. RBL's clean cap table and mid-sized status make it an attractive target, while the RBI's shift towards encouraging strategic investors with deep pockets adds to the potential deal's appeal.
Pakistan is grappling with internal conflicts, a Taliban attack, and balancing its relationship with the powerful Pakistan Army. The country is also facing a severe economic crisis, with its external debt reaching USD 135 billion. To address this, Pakistan has sought assistance from the US and has secured a staff-level agreement with the IMF, pending approval by the IMF Executive Board.
Madhumati, a popular actress from the 60s known for her iconic dance numbers, passed away at 87. Born as Hutoxi Reporter in a Parsi family, she started learning classical dance at 7 and opened her own academy at 15. She made her debut in 1958 and starred in multiple languages. Tributes poured in from stars like Akshay Kumar and Vindu on social media.
BCCI mistakenly mixes up names of Mumbai batters Sarfaraz and Musheer Khan in Ranji Trophy match against Jammu and Kashmir. Social media highlights the error, but BCCI quickly corrects it. Fans question why Sarfaraz was sent to open the batting instead of his usual middle-order position. Mumbai loses early wickets, but Sarfaraz shows promise with three boundaries.
SSC CGL Tier 1 Answer Keys 2025 to be released today, October 15. Exams were held in 255 centres across 126 cities with 13.5 lakh candidates out of 28 lakh appearing. Rescheduled test for candidates accused of malpractices also conducted successfully on October 14. Provisional answer key and response sheet to be available on ssc website.
Diwali and pollution in Delhi pose a serious threat to respiratory health and can also trigger rheumatoid arthritis. Studies show that toxic air and PM2.5 pollution can lead to a rise in arthritis cases. Genetics and environmental factors play a significant role in this autoimmune condition. Adopting a healthy lifestyle and minimizing exposure to pollution can help prevent or delay the disease.
Indian equity markets closed on a positive note today, with the Sensex and Nifty 50 rising by 0.70% and 0.71% respectively. Bajaj Finance, Asian Paints, and UltraTech Cement were among the top gainers, while Tata Motors, Infosys, and Tech Mahindra were the major laggards. ICICI Lombard and Persistent Systems saw a surge in their stock prices after reporting strong quarterly earnings.
The Ahmedabad-based siblings behind the Torrent Group have taken a bet that could change the shape of India’s pharmaceutical sector. Riding on India’s ambition to become the “world’s pharmacy,” brothers Sudhir and Samir Mehta, who ranked No. 15 on the Forbes India Rich List 2025 with a net worth of $14.1 billion, have just taken a major step that could reshape their empire’s future.
Jefferies, a global brokerage firm, has cut the target price for ICICI Prudential Life Insurance to Rs 730 from Rs 780 due to soft growth. However, the firm has retained its 'Buy' call on the stock. ICICI Prudential's APE declined by 3% YoY, mainly driven by a decline in retail APE and ULIP sales. The company's margins rose by 100 basis points YoY, led by a shift in product mix.
"India Inc's third week of earnings season sees major IT firms like Infosys, Wipro, Cyient, and LTIMindtree releasing their Q2 results on October 16, followed by L&T Technology Services and Tata Technologies on October 17. With TCS and HCLTech already reporting their earnings, all eyes are now on Infosys and Wipro, with key areas to watch being H-1B visas, deal pipeline strength.
Hyundai Motor India has appointed Tarun Garg as its new MD and CEO, making him the first Indian to lead the company's operations in India. The automaker plans to invest $5 billion, focus on R&D and capacity expansion, and achieve double-digit core earnings margins. Garg, who has been with Hyundai for six years, will take over in January 2026 from Unsoo Kim.
Indian cricketer Virat Kohli's kind gesture towards a young fan at Delhi Airport has won hearts and gone viral. Despite tight security, Kohli took the time to interact with the fan and sign his poster. Along with Rohit Sharma, Kohli has left for Australia for the ODI series, with coach Gautam Gambhir anticipating a successful tour with the return of senior players.
The Government has reversed a policy of tax-free imports of missile parts, which was under investigation for alleged tax evasion by Adani Defence. The latest October 9 order has reinstated older rules, exempting only certain parts used in long-range missiles from import duties. Adani Group stated that the issue has been closed from their end after providing clarifications
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday declared a local state of emergency, CBS reported. The step was in response to the current ICE raids under Trump’s administration that have affected immigrant communities across the region.
HEG's subsidiary, TACC, secures Rs 1,230 crore loan from SBI for new project in Madhya Pradesh to manufacture 20,000 MTPA of lithium-ion battery-grade graphite anode. HEG is a top producer of graphite electrodes with a captive power plant.
India Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC) reported a 10.17% YoY profit growth in Q2 FY26, with a profit of Rs 1,776.9 crore. However, the company's revenue declined by 7.6% in the same quarter. IRFC's Board of Directors declared an interim dividend of Rs 1.05 per equity share, its highest ever. The company also announced that it has executed new business agreements worth Rs 345,382 crore,
Yash, the popular KGF superstar, will soon release his highly anticipated film 'Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups', which depicts his rise from humble beginnings to a lavish lifestyle. With a net worth of Rs 50 crore, Yash is not only a successful actor but also a generous philanthropist. He owns a luxurious duplex and a collection of cars worth Rs 2 crore.
Motilal Oswal has recommended three stocks in its latest report, with potential upside of up to 29%. These companies are expected to see steady growth, driven by operational efficiency, margin expansion, and sectoral tailwinds. The recommended stocks include Persistent Systems, Tech Mahindra, and Cyient DLM.
The Trump administration's Project Firewall aims to prioritize job opportunities for skilled American workers by cracking down on visa fraud and abuse. Stricter rules are being enforced for the H-1B program, with major visa sponsor TCS announcing they will no longer apply for new visas.
Pankaj Dheer, known for his iconic role as Karn in Mahabharat, passed away at 68 due to health issues. Actor Firoz Khan shared the news on social media, and CINTAA released an official statement. Dheer was also known for his roles in Adalat, Yug, Badho Bahu, and movies like Sadak, Soldier, and Baadshah.
Delhi High Court grants relief to Hrithik Roshan in protecting his personality rights against Generative AI. Court orders removal of links and listings on internet and e-commerce sites. Roshan joins other celebrities in the fight against unauthorized use of their images and videos.
Power Mech Projects, an infrastructure company, has received a Rs 2,500 crore order from BHEL for an 800 MW super thermal power project in Telangana. The company will handle all aspects of the project, including design, engineering, construction, and maintenance. In FY25, Power Mech Projects reported a revenue of Rs 5,279 crore, with a 40% YoY profit growth.
Biocon founder Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw has raised concerns about Bengaluru's poor infrastructure and garbage management, urging the government to take immediate action. This follows a statement by Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar about the government's efforts to improve the city's civic infrastructure. However, Shaw's post has sparked a debate, with some criticizing the government.
In 2025, the Supreme Court relaxed the ban on firecrackers for Diwali, with the comeback of green crackers. E-commerce offers alternatives, such as Laxmi bombs, ladis, and colourful matches, that look and feel like traditional firecrackers, but are better for the environment. Eco-friendly options include seed crackers, chocolate crackers, anaar incense cones, and more.
"Diwali mithai is a beloved tradition, but it comes with a health risk. Adulterants like bad-quality ghee, starch, and artificial colors can cause digestive issues, allergies, and even increase the risk of diseases like cancer. Nutritionist Sakshi Lalwani suggests simple home tests to check the purity of mawa and ensure safe consumption and gifting of Indian sweets."
The Supreme Court on Tuesday declined to hear a case challenging the rule that allows the dependents of H-1B visa holders, also known as H-4 visa holders, to work in the United States, Reuters reported.
In 2025, Diwali is the ideal time for travelers to visit their dream destinations or have a staycation. Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Japan, and Australia are top choices for Indian tourists, while Sri Lanka and Malaysia are also popular for international celebrations. Gen Z and millennials are leading the travel trends, with Bengaluru, Chennai, and Delhi.
Celebrity chef Vikas Khanna, known for his Michelin Star restaurant in NYC, shares his secret to staying fit at 53. In a candid podcast, he reveals his disciplined routine and love for cycling. He believes in the importance of rituals, including working out and eating home-cooked meals. While the breakfast debate continues, experts suggest consulting a doctor before making any dietary changes.
Enforcement agencies in Bihar have seized cash, drugs, liquor, and freebies worth Rs 33.97 crore to prevent voter inducement in the upcoming elections. The state will have polls on November 6 and 11, with counting on November 14. Expenditure observers and real-time seizure reporting have been deployed to monitor expenses. The Election Commission has urged citizens to not face any inconvenience.
Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai of the Indian Army disclosed that Pakistan lost more than 100 soldiers on the Line of Control during Operation Sindoor in May. He emphasized the grave repercussions if Pakistan had not restrained after the Pahalgam terror attack. The Indian Armed Forces effectively targeted and collaborated with multiple agencies to counter the enemy.
Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan surprised fans by featuring the popular Labubu doll in his car, causing a frenzy on the internet. Fans speculated whether the doll resembled Bachchan's character in his film Piku, while others joked that Google Maps should have his voice. The actor's crossover with the Gen Z trend left fans in awe and Labubu was deemed lucky to have him as a narrator.
Despite challenges in the market and policy changes, Persistent Systems has reported a strong Q2 FY26 performance, leading to a rise in its stock price. Brokerages have raised their target price by up to 31%, with Motilal Oswal, JM Financial, Nomura, and Nuvama Equities maintaining a positive outlook due to the company's focus on AI and impressive earnings growth and margins.
Godrej Properties has acquired a 26-acre land parcel in South Bengaluru near Sarjapur Road for a premium residential project with an estimated revenue of Rs 1,100 crore. The company has a significant presence in major cities like Mumbai, Delhi-NCR, Pune, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad.
Former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy started an ‘AI vs Human’ debate on October 14 with a tweet cautioning against Artificial intelligence that masters in mimicking human emotions too closely.
The Trump administration's plan to use the government shutdown to cut jobs has only resulted in a fraction of the expected number of dismissals. The President is using the shutdown as a bargaining tool but is facing legal challenges and criticism from lawmakers and unions. A federal judge will hear the case on October 15.
A massive explosion in an autobody shop sparked a five-alarm fire in Hillside, New Jersey, causing multiple businesses and homes to be consumed. One firefighter was injured and 20 residents were displaced. The fire chief warned of toxic smoke and the mayor called it one of the worst fires in the area in 18 years. The cause of the explosion is still under investigation.
Mishra Dhatu Nigam (MIDHANI) has secured a new order worth Rs 306 crore, bringing its total open order position to around Rs 2,212 crore. The Hyderabad-based defence PSU plays a crucial role in strengthening India's defence and space sectors. It has formed a joint venture with NALCO to set up a high-end aluminium alloy production plant.
President Trump honored the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, praised for his dedication to truth and freedom. Kirk's widow accepted the award and thanked Trump for prioritizing the event. Trump commended Kirk for inspiring young voters and condemned violence from the "far-left."